Wellness Wednesdays: Mental Health and Well-being Tips for all

It can be distressing to have to wait for something that you want no matter how old you are. This is a skill that we learn throughout our lives. Persistence, Stick to it-ness, Never give up, Keep on keepin’ on, hope and faith that things will be ok, are essential to our mental well-being. The notion that I can wait for what I want and that I may not get exactly what I want but I will likely get what I need are not just reminiscent of song lyrics but they are also good indicators of current stress levels. There is a direct link to the high stress levels and inability to wait or have self-control. In short, when we are stressed, we are more impatient.

Have you ever heard of the Marshmallow Test? It is a test of children’s self-control ‘muscle’. When a child is presented with one marshmallow and told they can have that one NOW or have two if they wait. How do you think you might do on a test like that? How do you think you would do if you were stressed and tired? What about if others were there cheering you on to wait?

We know it gets harder to wait for things we want when are stressed. As a class, group or family watch this video where Cookie Monster shows us a lesson in Waiting:

 

 

 

What strategies did Cookie Monster use that helped him wait?

What were one or two things that helped him reduce his stress and stay focused on his goal?

Since watching the video, what other strategies do you think you will try next that will help you wait even when you are stressed?

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. – Psalm 62:1

Parent/Teacher Book:
Self Reg: How to Help Your Child (And You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life by Dr. Stuart Shanker

 

 

Kid’s Book:
Hunter and his Amazing Remote Control by Lori Ann Copeland

 

 

Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell