April 23, 2020
Dear Students and Families,
Happy Earth Day! I hope you had a wonderful spring break. Seeing the earth transform into spring is so magical and I love all of the flowers and blooms that are beginning to brighten our yards and neighborhoods. Just like the seasons change, so can our feelings, emotions, and reactions about our current situation. How you respond to the current stressors including the Shelter in Place and School Closure can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, the resources you have, and your mental mindset. We all respond differently to stress and change and all responses are okay. I continue to have regular discussions with students, staff, and families about engaging in self-care activities. It is important to think about what helps to recharge and make you happy and actively participate in these activities on a daily basis. Here are some reminders on how to take care of our physical and mental health:
- Sleep: I know it is hard when we can stay up as long as we want to but research shows that going to sleep at the same time each night helps us with managing stress and our emotions. Try to aim for a regular time to go to sleep before midnight. I like to listen to a book when I go to sleep to help me wind down.
- Eating healthy: It is so easy when we are home all the time to grab food that is quick and easy. Try to eat fruit and veggies and make a goal to have one fruit and one veggie per day. I have been drinking strawberry banana smoothies in the morning, which greatly helps with my energy levels.
- Drinking water: When we get busy, it is easy to forget to drink water and hydrate. Sometimes it can help to have a goal of how much water to drink per day and/or use a water bottle to measure your water intake.
- Exercise or Physical Activity: Physical activity is so important. I encourage students and families to do something physical and outside if you can. Playing basketball, yoga, taking a walk, etc. are all ways to keep our bodies in shape and our minds calm.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy such as playing a board game, doing art, listening to music, gardening, being with your pets, etc.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Connect with nature. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place. If you are able connect with nature on a daily basis by watching the birds, walking in the forest, or just going outside and watching the sunset. I love to look for ladybugs and listen to the birds this time of year.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Gratitude: Remember to be kind and practice gratitude. We have so many things to be thankful for!
Please remember to be gentle to yourselves! These are difficult times and it is okay to feel down, disappointed, and frustrated. I encourage you to remember to self-care and engage in kindness towards yourself and others.
We all miss you greatly!
Warmly,
Ms. Sandy
(707) 834-2861
sradic-oshiro@hcoe.org