~High School~ SEL & Wellness

Gratitude is being thankful for what you receive, whether it be tangible or intangible and with that, acknowledging the goodness in your life. Expressing gratitude has been shown to improve both mental and physical health. Research shows gratitude has been strongly associated with greater happiness, improved sleep, mood and immunity. Being grateful can also decrease depression and anxiety.

In order to see the benefits of gratitude, it should be practiced daily. A gratitude journal is a great way to track your gratitude. Start your day off by jotting down people or things you are thankful for or set some time aside in the evening to think about your day and what went RIGHT instead of what went wrong. You can even text or write a note to the person you are thinking of that day. Our lives are full of reasons to be thankful!

Self-reflection is the ability to witness and evaluate our own cognitive, emotional and behavioral processes. It enables you to move from just experiencing into understanding and becoming self-aware. Self-reflection also enables you to identify areas for improvement and also areas where you are strong. Self-reflection will support high schoolers by shifting their mindset, increasing positivity in their life, and discovering a greater connection to themselves. During this age, life can feel overbearing. High schoolers have an increased set of responsibilities and are at a stage where they make big decisions that impact their lives. This age group can benefit from spending time understanding more about the way they respond to situations. Instead of being oblivious to areas they can improve, self-reflection gives them the space to deal with life events positively and productively instead of allowing moments to consume their mindset and keep them stagnant. Self-reflection is critical for achieving goals they have set for themselves.

Five Habits that Enhance Self-Reflection and Positive Grown

• Be honest with yourself. Be hones with yourself about how things are going and how you are reacting, responding and behaving.
• Notice behavior patterns. Be aware of your habits so you can actively weaken the ones you don't want and strengthen the ones you do want.
• Be able to articulate your core values. Take time to consider what's most important to you so that you can evaluate whether or not you're living those values.
• Be forgiving. Be gentle with yourself when you don't get it right. We all make mistakes.
• Keep track of your self-reflection. Start a journal where you record your observations and monitor your personal growth.

1. Clean out your closets & donate. Great way to make room for Christmas, the new year and help out others.
2. Pickle some veggies. Fall is the time to pickle vegetables that won't last through the winter. And since November 14 is officially National Pickle Day, there's no better time to try canning or pickling your favorite produce at home.
3. Start a journal. Cooped up because of the cold and rain? Start a journal writing back and forth to one another. Something to look forward to and helps build stronger bonds.
4. Learn a new recipe. Let everyone work together to create something new or try something you have all been wanting to try. You could even make it a tradition to try a new recipe each month.
5. Watch holiday movies. It's never too early to start watching your favorite Christmas and holiday movies
6. Volunteer. We have plenty of options here in our own town to volunteer your time. Sign up to work a shift at Christmas in the Park. Give your time to Pet Adoptions or Camal House. It's great to get the whole family involved!

TCHATT provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. Cuero ISD is proud to be part of this program that helps students get access to mental health treatment and resources. This program is free for students and is available throughout the year, even in the summer. If you would like more information about TCHATT, you can visit their website https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/ or contact Lacy Timpone at ltimpone@cueroisd.org.

Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs

Lacy Timpone, M.Ed., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Courtney Schacherl, M.S., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Kathy Scott, LMSW~ School Climate Specialist

Website: https://www.cueroisd.org/
Location: 960 E Broadway St, Cuero, TX, USA
Phone: 361-275-1900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cueroisd