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Filling Our Cups: A Note About Self Care
With a little over 6 weeks left on the horizon of this Spring semester, it’s no surprise that students are starting to feel the pressure! Our mental health team has seen an increase in the number of conversations we’re having with students lately about the importance for self-care at all times, and especially during times of high stress. One of the favorite analogies is that of “filling your cup” because— “you can’t pour from an empty cup”.
This saying is a favorite of Ms. Watton because it allows us to visualize the importance of filling our cups, or restoring our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, before we can pour our time and energy into other areas of life, to include school, work, and friendships.
Check out what our Mental Health Associate Intern, Ms. Rachel, had to say about the importance of filling your cup:
Why is Self-Care important for families?
Parents practicing self-care can be more engaged and have more effective parenting. Parents are likely to be more patient and have more positive interactions with their kids.
When parents practice self-care, it’s been shown that teens are encouraged to do the same and take this positive habit into later life. Your self-care helps teach your teen how to look after themselves better.
End of the year burnout is real and can make the semester feel like a real drag!
To help students finish the semester strong try these tips at home:
Mindful Meditation (link)- This activity is proven to change the structure and function of the brain, and it’s a fabulous way to promote relaxation while reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Click the link for more information. Plus, YouTube has instructional videos varying in length to practice anytime and anywhere.
Take a tech break- Try to carve some time out of the day to be tech-free! Teens nowadays are connected to their phones almost constantly throughout the day already. This break doesn’t have to be all day, but even just part of the day is beneficial for our brains.
Creative expression (link)- Encourage your student(s) to channel their emotional state through an art form! This could be journaling, writing poetry, painting or drawing, doing photography, dancing, or playing music. This activity can be beneficial for the whole family to do together and is a great conversation starter!
Want more tips? Check out this link.
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