Public Schools of Robeson County
Mental Health Minute
December 15, 2023
Mental Health and Wellness
Managing Stress and Anxiety during the Holidays
We all need to be focused on children’s mental health, even during the holiday break. Here are some tips to help reduce stress and anxiety for children and grownups during the most wonderful time of the year!
Stress Reduction- When adults are handling their stress well, they build a foundation of calm for their children. Adults should get enough sleep and prioritize their own self-care during this time to set an example for their children. Keep children in their regular sleep routine as much as possible. Let them know ahead of time what events are planned, when they are taking place, and what to expect as well as the expected behavior for the event.
Use Your Stress Toolbox- No matter how much we plan, stress can overcome all of us, especially during the holidays. Encourage your children to spend some time alone, get some fresh air outside, and take warm showers or baths. Journaling and/or drawing and coloring have a calming effect as well. Use breathing techniques or meditation to reduce stress. If you do not know any breathing or meditation activities, a quick Google or YouTube search will give you ideas in no time!
Make New Year’s Resolutions- Talk to children about their goals or wishes for the upcoming year and help them make specific goals that they can track throughout the year. You can also ask them what they know about goals as goal setting is a vital part of our Second Step social-emotional learning curriculum.
Have Fun!- Take time for a family activity everyone wants to do that isn’t part of the holiday schedule.
Happy Mental Health,
Leslie Lowery, MA, MSA, NBCT, School Counselor, Red Springs Middle School
Patricia Price, MA, LCMHC, NBCT, School Counselor, Red Springs Middle School