Wellness: Back to Basics

As school counselors in this 2021–2022 school year, we are carrying a lot with us: the weight of the pandemic, the mental health crisis prior to the pandemic, increased student needs, increased staff needs and constant changes. Many teachers have referred to this as the toughest year. What can we do to maintain overall wellness for ourselves and students?

No one is going to be perfect in taking care of themself but having a growth mindset and looking at where I am now is something I practice. I focus on basic needs: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. We know that basic needs have to be met to function at a higher thinking level. Ensuring I eat lunch at work, keeping an eye on my hydration, and sleeping are basic and a good place to start for me. I also make certain elements part of my daily routine and consider those basic needs. For instance, the recumbent bike has become a daily routine for me. I find that moving helps my mind and body. For you, it may be completely different: gratitude journaling, quiet time, a walk, tea, a fancy cup, therapy, etc. Moving up the hierarchy is safety: This year I have boundaries. Providing clear boundaries provides safe controls around what I am willing to take in mentally and lets others know where I may need to say no or find another way. I also make sure to inject joy when I can and consider this part of Maslow's next level: love. I'll treat myself to a fun coffee drink, watch comedy or connect with friends and family that provide positive and realistic support. I remind myself that the kindness I give out I deserve to give myself, too.

At school we have become a model for staff and students. Our students see how we respond in tough times and how we interact with colleagues. It's important to not exude toxic positivity but we can take on tough times with a growth mindset: things aren't easier YET. We can meet our students where they are. Again, Maslow's hierarchy tells us it is harder to do any higher level thinking/decision making without having these basic needs met. I check in on my struggling students: Have they eaten breakfast, lunch, a snack? Do they need water, a deep breath, or to go for a walk together? As school counselors, we can focus on what we know: Building resilient children comes from connection and belonging. We do this in counseling groups focusing on social skills for healthy connections. We work on specific skills such as growth mindset and/or coping skills in 1:1, groups, and/or lessons/seminars. We have morning announcements that focus on mindfulness. We have inclusive school-wide spirit days that build belonging, safety and even colleague connection. Most important now, we must remember to give ourselves, our colleagues and our students grace. 

Lisa Kilcourse is an elementary school counselor in Newtown, Conn., a director on the Connecticut School Counselor Association (CSCA) Board and the CSCA Public Relations chair.