Cultivating Wellness

While schools focus on the how-to of academics, this monthly newsletter aims to emphasize support, encouragement, and connection to optimal mental health and wellness. The goal is to share tips and strategies that are simple enough to incorporate into an already full plate. At the very least, this newsletter is a regular reminder that we are in this together. We are all human and are all desperate for small successes and even more in need of a worthwhile connection.

As we adjust to all of the changes that come with a new school year it is important that we establish healthy routines at home. Research shows that routines support healthy social emotional development in early childhood. Specifically, routines can provide structure and support that help promote self-regulation skills which can lead to better mental health as stated by zero to thrive.

Schedules and routines provide children and adults with a sense of confidence and security. Researchers have found links between family routines and children's social skills and academic success. Also, routines are valuable for families during times of crisis. If a parent is ill, for example, children with routines are better able to cope. Family routines can reduce the chances of a child showing symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and other behavior disorders.

According to one study, a lack of family routines is tied to oppositional defiant disorder, in which children are hostile and resentful. Researchers say that problem behavior is more common among children who don't have consistent morning routines, mealtimes, bedtime, and homework time. (Why Routines and Schedules May Be Good for Your Mental Health (WebMD)

Current research finds the items listed below are important routines that help develop effective social skills and good mental health necessary for success at school and home.

• Sticking to an (early) bedtime
• Eat breakfast
• Eat healthy meals
• Taking a brief brain break after school
• Do not overschedule extracurricular activities
• Set a regular time for homework
• Set goals and rewards for accomplishing them
• Practicing good hygiene

The Importance of Routine for Kids

The Importance of Routines and Schedules

7 Healthy Habits for a successful school year

• National Alliance on Mental Illness-Genesee County Chapter
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• The State of Michigan has created a Stay Well program that encourages individuals to Be Kind to Your Mind, providing access to support groups, help lines, webinars, behavioral health guides, and video resources. This Mindfulness and Stress Resilience Guide is one tool provided. Check the link to learn more.
• Michigan 211 helps to connect individuals to a variety of services, including mental health providers.
  

For children and families impacted by the Flint Water Crisis, the Flint Registry exists to connect individuals to a variety of resources for support and wellness. For more information and resources for healthcare needs, please visit flintregistry.com/resources to learn more. Alexis Sharpe at asharpe@geneseeisd.org is also available to help support families looking for a wide range of healthcare access needs.

Supporting the whole child starts with supporting all the adults involved in the educational process. From direct providers, such as teachers and paraprofessionals, to those indirectly involved with student success (business, transportation, operations, human resources, etc.), a need for optimal self-care is shared to bring our best self to work each day.

The GISD has taken steps to develop a customizable wellness toolkit available to staff throughout Genesee County schools, programs, and GISD departments. This toolkit has been created to help administrators and managers implement and create sustainable staff wellness initiatives. While resources are often spread thin and opportunities for added programs may be far and few between, one key for programs and departments is to start where they are and commit to intentional moves toward creating and sustaining a culture of wellness.

The Cultivating Staff Wellness (CSW) Toolkit is based on SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, physical, spiritual, environmental, occupational, financial, intellectual, and social. Complete the Cultivating Staff Wellness Registration Form so that your school, program, or department can access the CSW Toolkit.

Our team is committed to promoting wellness in schools as well as in our communities through support of students, staff, and parents. We strive to highlight what's working in wellness, bring you relevant and helpful information for wellness, and to provide connections to community resources that may assist with wellness.

To learn more about health and wellness for teachers, students, and families, check out our page on the GISD website.