December 2021
Right from the Start is a Mental Health Capacity Building Program. We are a team of Success Coaches at Banff Elementary School, Lawrence Grassi Middle School, Alpenglow School, and Elizabeth Rummel School. We offer universal mental health education and support to all children, teachers, and families. For more on our program and to see what we do, visit our website, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful...
The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year for some. It can also be a stressful time for many. Holiday songs, expectations, family events, gifts, trees, and all of the fast-paced excess can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In this month's newsletter, we have some ideas to help you slow down and enjoy the real gifts of the holiday season.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, put my own mask on first! We've heard it, but do we practice taking care of ourselves first... or at all?!

The AHS Wellness Exchange offers five different FREE online courses ranging in topics from managing reactions, helpful thinking, and increasing confidence through effective problem solving. Albertans can register for any or all courses.

The five sessions are:
1. Problem Solving
2. Positive Activities
3. Managing Reactions
4. Helpful Thinking
5. Healthy Connections

To register for upcoming workshops, click here.
Contact AHSWellnessExchange@ahs.ca with any questions or comments.

1. Accept imperfection -- Can good be good enough?

2. Don't lose sight of what really counts -- With long lines and tricky traffic, the holidays can get hectic. When overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, ask yourself what's really important now!
3. Respond with kindness -- You can’t change how others act during the stresses of the holiday season, but you can change how you respond to situations.
4. Set realistic News Year's resolutions - “Typical New Year’s resolutions set you up for failure.”




Bring Awareness to Your Senses this Holiday Season

Make Gingerbread Playdough The kids LOVE it, and it smells amazing! 

Mindful Hot Chocolate Make hot chocolate for the family, then turn off the lights and watch your favourite holiday movie. To bring awareness to the smells and sensations, ask everyone to take a deep inhale of the hot chocolate and feel the warmth of the cup on their hands. Then snuggle up.

DIY Mindful Calm Jar Take a break and create a craft of calm. The sparkly glitter and soft colours of the jar will create warmth and joy. Watch this great video after making the jar of calm with your children.
Click on the image above to be taken to the PCN website for more information and a list of workshops!
The Bow Valley Primary Care Network (PCN) is a network of health care professionals dedicated to improving and managing the healthcare of residents living in the Bow Valley. The network includes over 50 local doctors, registered nurses, clinicians, panel management assistants, and a small administrative team.
The Bow Valley PCN also coordinates with various community organizations and partners to connect Bow Valley residents of all walks of life with opportunities to improve their health and wellness.
Right from the Start | 403-678-6192 |
For inquiries contact Mary Weighell
RFTS Program Manager
mary.weighell@crps.ca