Mental Health Matters: Navigating School with Resilience and Self-Care

In light of the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024, we highlight Crimson Global Academy School Counsellor Jan Blair’s wealth of wisdom she recently shared in her interview with CGA podcast host and Graduate Jade, on how students can navigate mental health at school.

1. The Importance Of Reflecting On The Previous School Term and Planning Ahead For The Upcoming One

Jan emphasizes that effective time management is not just about managing time, but also about managing oneself and building resilience. She advises students to create manageable to-do lists, with no more than five tasks per day, and to plan their schedules the night before to ensure a focused and productive start to the day.

2. The Need For Balance And Self-Care

Taking breaks, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a healthy sleep and eating routine are all ways to fuel the mind and body to feel in balance. Jan encourages students to connect with their peers, join clubs, take part in extracurriculars and find ways to stay involved in their local communities, even in the face of at times being remote or not within the same room as peers.

As graduate Jade reflects on and shares, no one is immune to the need for self-care and stress management.

Drawing on her own experience of initially thinking she could focus on her studies and work through without prioritizing her well-being, she came to realize the unfavorable impact it had on her academic performance and overall well-being. This serves as a powerful reminder that even when we feel driven and are striving for success, we must continue to keep our mental health and wellbeing a top priority.

3. Managing Stress And Anxiety With Proactive Resilience-Building

Addressing the inevitable challenges that come with academic pursuits, Jan offers valuable strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

She suggests techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and seeking help from trusted resources, including the school's deans who also provide pastoral care and the guidance counselor herself. Jan's "kit bag" of skills and tricks for coping with stress underscores the importance of proactively developing resilience.

4. A Support Network

Jan also dispels common misconceptions about the role of a guidance counselor, emphasizing that her role extends far beyond addressing mental health issues. She is a trusted confidant, a facilitator of self-exploration, and a resource for navigating the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth. CGA students are encouraged to reach out to Jan directly, with the assurance of confidentiality and the opportunity to access three free counseling sessions.

As we celebrate World Mental Health Day 2024, we are reminded that academic excellence and personal well-being are inextricably linked for students across our whole online school community. By embracing the strategies and resources shared, students can cultivate the resilience and self-care practices necessary to thrive throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Remember, your mental health matters, and the CGA community is here to support you every step of the way. For our existing students, we encourage you to reach out to Mrs Jan Blair, your Deans and to access our school's bank of resources to embark on a path of holistic growth and success.