Mental Health Week in Ruby Class

Ruby Class had a Mental Health & Well-being afternoon today.

1) In the moment: We learned two breathing techniques (4-7-8 breathing, and Square breathing) to help relax us when we are already feeling stressed or anxious.

2) Over time: Using the Dawn Huebner book, we discussed worries that follow us. We talked about how firstly we can use logic to assess the truth of the matter; to share our problems in order to formulate plans, so there's no reason to worry; and how pervasive worries are like tomato plants (or weeds) in the mind, don't water them with your attention, distract yourself and they will die.

3) Long term: Finally we talked about how we can be good to our bodies and mind in general — turning off screens an hour before bed; eating healthily; exercising (we went out and did the golden mile and talked about the feel-good chemicals that are released through physical activity); and how interacting with/appreciating nature is proven to relieve stress as well as help the physical body (watched a video about the secret life and communication of trees to boost their fascination before going back out to hug trees).