Thankful Minds: The Benefits of Gratitude in School

As we enter November - a month traditionally associated with gratitude - it's a perfect time to reflect on how this practice can positively impact our students' lives. In the midst of the daily grind of student life, it's easy for young people to become overwhelmed by deadlines, exams, and social pressures. However, taking a moment to teach students the benefits of practicing gratitude can significantly enhance their well-being and success.

Here are several key reasons why gratitude can positively impact the mental health of students:

• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Gratitude helps students shift their focus from what's going on to what's going right. This change in perspective can lower stress levels and ease feelings of anxiety. By encouraging students to reflect on what they are thankful for - whether it's their support network, personal achievements, or even small daily comforts - they can develop a calmer, more centered mindset in the face of school pressures.

• Boosts Emotional Resilience: Students who regularly practice gratitude tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges. Gratitude fosters optimism, which can help students see difficulties as temporary or manageable. This resilience is crucial for mental health, as it enables students to navigate setbacks - whether academic or personal - without becoming overwhelmed.

• Supports Positive Self-Image: When students practice gratitude, they often develop a healthier sense of self. Gratitude shifts their focus from external comparisons to internal strengths, helping them feel more satisfied with who they are and what they have. This can reduce the negative mental health impacts of social comparison and boost their self-esteem.

• Improves Mood and Mental Clarity: Gratitude has been shown to increase the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to improved mood and overall mental health. By practicing gratitude, students can experience an uplift in their daily mood and gain more mental clarity, helping them better manage their emotions and concentrate on their students.

• Fosters a Sense of Connection: The practice of gratitude enhances students' relationships by helping them appreciate the support they receive from others. This sense of connection and belonging is a key factor in maintaining positive mental health. Whether it's through expressing thanks to peers, teachers, or family members, gratitude strengthens social bonds, which in turn helps students feel more supported and less isolated.

• Encourages Mindfulness: Practicing gratitude encourages students to stay present and mindful. By recognizing and appreciating the positives in their daily lives, students can develop a habit of mindfulness that helps them manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions. This practice promotes a more balanced mental state, allowing them to cope more effectively with the demands of school.

Further Readings:

How Gratitude Can Help With Students' Anxiety

How Gratitude Changes you and Your Brain

Practicing Gratitude for Better Health and Well-Being

Upcoming Wellness in Schools Program Events

Resources

4 Our Families Navigators

4 Our Families program is a holistic approach to helping participants access the targeted supports and services they need, through EHSD and Community Partners. This client-driven model aims to break down barriers that many individuals and families face when seeking services, while empowering them to access resources on their own. The purpose of 4 Our Families is to help partcipants overcome obstacles to stablity by identifying key goals and creating a clear and smooth path to success.

Family Navigators can provide resource referral, navigation, and benefits application assistance. Benefit assistance includes CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, General Assistance, and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).

Navigators are available to assist participants at the following sites:

Antioch

Employment and Human Services, 4545 Delta Fair Blvd.

Family Justice Center, 3501 Lone Tree Way, Suite 4

Bay Point

Bay Point Family Service Center, 3105 Willow Pass Rd.

Concord

Family Justice Center, 256 24th St.

Brentwood

Employment and Human Services, 151 Sand Creek Road

Family Navigators can be reached by email at EHSDNavigators@ehsd.cccounty.us or call (925) 608-5979

La Concordia Multicultural Wellness Center

The La Concordia Multicultural Wellness Center is committed to providing the best care, acknowledging that every individual is unique. La Concordia's goal is to help address the issues related to limited access to mental health care due to systematic and structural complexities. La Concordia believes in working to gain the trust of their clients by breaking the language barriers and providing therapy and services in different languages.

La Concordia Multicultural Wellness Center Website

Support Groups for Parents & Students

Contra Costa Health

Are you the parent of an LGBTQ+ youth, or do you know a parent who could benefit from support? Join Contra Costa Health for a welcoming group dedicated to helping parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth. This is a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and find community.

For Parents, Guardians, or caregivers of youth 13-18 who have CCHP insurance and are currently enrolled in Mental Health or Behavioral Health Services. Your LGBTQ+ teens are encouraged to join as well!

Every Wednesday at 4:00PM. Meetings take place virtually on Zoom. Please review following flyers for more information:

Contra Costa Health Support and Education Group for Parents

Contra Costa Health Support and Education Group for Youth

Upcoming Trainings from WISP Partners