Grow Your Mind
Have you heard your child talk about a guard dog, the sifting sooty, a sensitive octopus, an elephant who tries to remember and a wise owl? You may be wondering what on earth this is all about! Each animal represents a key part of the brain and now that we are a Grow Your Mind school, you can expect to hear more about it.
At our school, we believe that education is about academic achievement AND about developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life. We know that when children have the skills of resilience, emotional regulation and perspective, they will do better socially, academically and physically.
With the Grow Your Mind program, we aim to provide our students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Mental Health
Grow Your Mind is on a mission to reclaim the term mental health It is often associated with mental health disorders. Whereas in fact, we all have mental health, just as well have physical health. It can be brilliant, terrible or somewhere in between.
Learn more about Mental Health by listening to the Grow Your Mind Podcast
Grow Your Mind: Mental Health Tips
Tip #1: To shrink your Guard Dog (aka your amygdala):
- Take 3 anchor breaths
- Try finger breathing
- Think of one thing or person you are thankful for
Tip #2: Growth Mindset
Treat mistakes as a chance to learn and grow.
Tip #3: Growth Mindset
Start adding YET to the things you tell yourself you cannot do.
Tip #4: Wellbeing
Be kind. It won’t cost you a cent.
Tip #5: Kindness
Before your Guard Dog reacts, take a breath. Maybe the person who is bugging you is just having a tough day.
Tip #6: Wellbeing
Plan three kind things you will do for others today.
Tip #7: Focus
Really cannot focus, but want to?
Name one thing you can taste, smell, hear, see and touch. This will bring you back into the present moment and allow you to regain your focus.
Tip #8: Empathy and Perspective
Before you judge someone and before your Guard Dog gets big and bossy. Pause. What might life be like for that person?
Tip #9: Compassion
When you make a mistake or act in a way you feel bad about – treat yourself like you would treat a friend – forgive and move on.
Tip #10: Movement and Mood
Feeling nervous? Perhaps anxious about something coming up? Feel your pulse, take some long deep anchor breaths and see if you can bring your pulse down a bit.
Tip #11: Joy
Make a list of the things that bring you joy: Stick it up somewhere you see often, what on the list could you do daily?
