Educators need more resources to offer support for mental health challenges in the classroom, according to an article posted by We Are Teachers that listed mental health activities for teens — and younger students.
1) Reflect through journaling
Journaling has known mental health benefits. Journaling has been associated with reduced anxiety, increased awareness, emotional regulation, reduced brooding and speeding up physical healing. Designate a few minutes of class time each day to writing down thoughts and feelings to help kids better understand their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
2) Give time to talk
Classroom talk helps students to learn, reflect on what they are learning, and communicate their knowledge and understanding, according to research. Active listening encourages participation in a conversation and helps the speaker become understood. Set ground rules to ensure discussions are fair and respectful. Create a routine around making space for students to talk on a regular basis.
3) Stretch with yoga
Research suggests that school-based yoga cultivates competencies in mind-body awareness, self-regulation, and physical fitness. Use simple yoga poses to manage stress and improve concentration during breaks.
4) Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally” strengthens focus, resilience, and self-soothing and is a tool to help reduce tension and recharge students’ attention spans. “Incorporating mindfulness into education has been linked to improving academic and social and emotional learning,” says Dr. Amy Saltzman, director of the Association for Mindfulness in Education.
5) Get outside
Being outdoors has been shown to lessen anxiety, improve focus, boost immunity and helps in getting a good night’s sleep. The Japanese practice of forest bathing improves symptoms associated with stress, anxiety and depression by being in nature. Schools in Denmark have moved learning into forests. Even five minutes at an open window can help if you don’t have direct access to the outdoors.
6) Incorporate mind-body exercise
Mind–body exercise combines movement sequences, attention regulation, and breathing control. Practices such as tai chi and yoga can improve learning, memory, and verbal fluency, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. No equipment is required, making these exercises one of the easier mental health activities to incorporate into their day.
7) Take active breaks
Movement helps create the level of alertness that enables a child to focus and concentrate. Use short bursts of exercise, or put on some tunes and have a five-minute dance party.
8) Mentor peers
Peer mentoring has a positive impact on the mental health of both the mentors and the mentees, according to one study. Benefits include improved self-esteem, increased empathy, and reduced anxiety levels.
9) Allow fidget toys
Fidget toys can help students stay engaged. These tools can be used to reduce anxiety, manage energy levels, and stay focused for students with sensory needs, difficulties focusing, or feelings of overwhelm
10) Use art therapy exercises
“Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change,” according to the American Art Therapy Association.
We Are Teachers
