Happy Holidays from the SMUHSD Wellness Team  
Wellness Counselors are Here for You!

Wellness Counselors are available for students virtually via individual support, student group support, and/or virtual drop-in support Monday-Friday during school days and hours. Visit the link to schedule an appointment or access drop-in hours as needed. 

During Winter break, students and families can access the following resources: 
Practicing Gratitude During the Pandemic and Holidays 

We are living through unusual and trying times. If you are feeling more stress and anxiety due to theCOVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. That’s why it is more important than ever to focus on gratitude — the practice of noticing and being thankful for what is valuable and meaningful to you. It’s good for your mental and physical health, and it can help you relax and its effects can help you stay well through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Improves immune system: The practice of gratitude can improve immune function, according to the American Heart Association. This can be especially important during the COVID-19 crisis, since people with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus.

Lowers risk for mental health issues: Studies have shown that people who practiced gratitude showed a significantly lower risk for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and substance dependence and abuse, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Getting a handle on stress: Focusing on positive emotions can help improve your ability to cope with stress, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Setting yourself up for success: In clinical trials, grateful people have been shown to exercise more and eat healthier diets. 

Gratitude and Mindfulness Resources for Body & Mind:
Peninsula Health Care District and the Parent Venture Announce New
Partnership to Build a Community of Support for Parents
 
The Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) has announced their new partnership with The Parent Venture, a leading provider of educational and convening events to promote behavioral health wellness for parents, students and teachers, school districts within the Peninsula Health Care District. PHCD is offering these opportunities at no cost to participants. Educational activities (virtual) will include topics such as such as:
 
  • Strengthening Communication with Your Child or Teen
  • Helping Children and Teens Lead Lives of Purpose
  • How to Support Your Child's Mental Health
  • The Self-Driven Child
  • Fostering Creativity and Innovation in an Uncertain World
 
Monthly Virtual Parent Cafes will provide parents the opportunity to engage with other parents in large and small chat rooms to share experiences and receive support. These will be offered in multiple languages.
 
The Parent Venture’s Video Library provides access to over 50 educational and support videos (in Spanish and English) led by behavioral health and psychology experts.
 
COVID has created new challenges and stressors for our school community, especially for parents, making the need for innovative, accessible, inclusive supports for families greater than ever. We are excited for the opportunity to share these free opportunities with our families.  
 
Please visit our District website’s Family Education Events page for more information.
San Mateo Union High School District | www.smuhsd.org