Well-being is starting to become more and more important and valued, and as humans, we are beginning to see the benefits of recharging and looking after our mental health. Our wellbeing should be just as important as working at a high grade in a class or which sporting team won on the weekend. Our well-being helps us enjoy life and cope with our day-to-day stresses.
I always think you should think about your well-being like a toolkit that you carry with you into every situation and interaction. We can use these tools daily to help us get through a hard task, learn a new skill, or reflect on how we are feeling in a situation. There are many factors that help build our wellbeing toolkit.
Three tools that should be in your toolbox for school at the start of a great year at MCC are:
KINDNESS
Be kind to others – a word and an action can either lift someone up or tear someone down. Think about the power of your words and how you treat others in your day-to-day activities. Imagine the possibilities of how one act of kindness can make someone’s day. One act of kindness can make someone feel like they belong at MCC. This is important to us.
FOOD
Fuel your body with food – your body needs to be refueled with the right food every day to help with your learning and physical activity. Did you know that food can impact your mood? Your body needs the right food to allow your body to grow, repair, and function well. Eating the right food can also help you manage stress, improve your sleep quality, and increase your concentration. If you want to improve your mood, eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, and eggs. Don’t forget to drink lots of water.
SLEEP
Make sure you make time for sleep – as your body is growing, your brain is also needing help to repair and function. Getting the right sleep balance allows your brain to function better, keeps your emotions in check, and reduces the risk of diseases. Did you know teenagers need an average of eight to ten hours of sleep every night!? Yet most teenagers only get about 6 ½ to 7 ½ hours of sleep.
These three tools will help any student, parent, and teacher fill their wellbeing tank. They will help you work towards being healthier, happier, engaged, and successful at any task.
~ Miss Kylee Retallack (Head of Student Wellbeing)
