Emotional Well-Being
There are some simple things that you can do to look after your mental health, either by yourself or with other people. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as having a healthy body. You can promote good mental health by the things you say and do, and through the environment you create at home.
- Physical Activity
Physical activity keeps the body strong and healthy and can improve mental health by decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, It can improve focus, school performance, sleep and energy levels
- Eating Healthy Food
What we eat can affect our physical health and also our mental health and wellbeing. Eating well (i.e. a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and nutrients) may be associated with feelings of wellbeing
- Getting a Good Nights Sleep
Good sleep is important for your child’s physical and mental wellbeing. A relaxing bedtime routing is one important way to help your child get a good night’s sleep. Try to avoid using screens at bedtime as they can affect the way children sleep.
- Relaxing and Keeping Calm
Relaxation exercises help children to manage their reactions to stress, anxiety and worry. Relaxation exercises are a good distraction from worrying thoughts and reduce tension in the body. The exercises here include controlled breathing, muscle relaxation and guided imagery.
A simple story that helps us understand why we can't hug our friends but we can still show we care in other ways.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days - Story
Stay Healthy, Eat Well - Rainbow Salad Pot
Relaxation Time
Breathing Exercise Links
Emotional and Self-Regulation Books - 2 Pages
Mindful Walk
Breathing Keyring (3 Pages)
Below is a video Jane making a sensory bottle which are very popular here at Rodney House with our children:
Monkey Meditation
Healthy Food Sensory Play
Taking a bubble bath
Story for Sleep by Cbeebies
Outdoor Activity Ideas
Monster Feet Hop Turn Taking Game
Hand Massages
Which foods are healthy and not healthy?
Healthy Food Plate Task
Activities to Help Sleep
Visuals for Sleep Routines
Relaxation Through Exercise Ideas
Relaxation Keyring
Stop, Breathe, Think App
Click the image below to download:
Relaxing Images Video
Click the image below to watch on Youtube:
Sesame Street - Breathe, Think, Do App
Click the image below to download:
CBeebies Activites for Calming
Click the image below to see the activities:
Emotional Wellbeing
Social connections, alongside exercise, sleep, diet and routine, are important protective factors for mental health.
Materials to promote and support mental wellbeing are included in the list of online resources the government have published to help children to learn at home. Public Health England’s Rise Above platform supports young people.
Social isolation, reduced exercise and bereavement may affect children’s wellbeing in this period. Resources to promote and support children and young people’s mental wellbeing include:
- MindEd educational resources for adults about children and young people’s mental health which is relevant for parents and carers as well as volunteers, teachers, and other professionals working with children
- Every Mind Matters which supports looking after your own and other’s mental health
- guidance on looking after wellbeing and mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
- guidance on supporting children’s wellbeing and mental health
