Junior High SEL & Wellness

February is a month filled with acts of kindness and love. Focusing on these acts during this month can help you increase your ability to be compassionate. Compassion is the ability to see suffering in others and have a desire to help them or comfort them. By being compassionate, you are better able to understand and support the emotions of other people. As a result, you will feel more motivated to help and support others - and yourself. Being compassionate, to others and yourself, has shown to be extremely beneficial both psychologically and physiologically. Compassion builds connection and connecting with others has the ability to improve your mental and physical health, as well as increase your lifespan. Other benefits include:

• Increased sense of connection to others
• Strengthened immune system
• Lower risk of anxiety and depression
• Lower stress levels
• Higher self-esteem
• Better outlook on life

We hear people talking about Self-Love frequently, but what does it even mean? Self-Love refers to appreciating yourself and treating yourself with kindness, both in thought and action. To love yourself means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with respect, and nurture your growth and well-being. This doesn't mean that you won't have negative thoughts, but overall you have a positive view of yourself. Understand that you will have disappointments or be upset, but you need to love yourself through these moments. Think of when your child does something wrong, and although you are disappointed in them, you still love them. Give yourself this same courtesy and cheer yourself on throughout the highs and the lows.

Self-Love is a powerful tool that can completely change your outlook on life. Self-Love leads to better mental health, higher self-esteem, more motivation, less anxiety, and better sleep. The moment you start practicing Self-Love, you will want to take better care of yourself and you will gradually acquire a healthier lifestyle. Whether this includes a healthier diet, exercise, or making sleep a priority, you will want to nurture your body and mind because you love yourself.

Ways to Practice Self-Love:

• Practice Self-Care
• Focus on your needs, not your wants
• Keep a Gratitude Journal
• Give Yourself Compliments Daily
• Set Healthy Boundaries
• Forgive Others
• Forgive Yourself
• Practice Mindfulness

Positive self-affirmations not only feel great for us to hear, but did you know that there is also scientific evidence that documents significant benefits? Beginning or ending your day on a positive note can truly change your outlook in life. By practicing these positive family affirmations either alone, or together with your family, you can show them that being intentionally positive can produce some amazing results!

The best way to make positive affirmations a part of your life is to utilize them consistently and consciously as an ongoing tool and strategy for your own personal development. When used correctly, they can make a difference in how you live your life and bring lasting change. Below are resources that you will find helpful on your positive affirmation journey!

Benefits of Positive Affirmations

Positive Affirmations to Change Your Life - eBook

The Start of Happiness, Top 100 List of Positive Affirmations

Positive Affirmations - Book from Amazon

TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to children within Cuero ISD. TCHATT also helps to 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.

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

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

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

Kathy F. Scott, LMSW ~ Elementary School Climate Specialist

960 East Broadway Street, Cuero, TX, USA

(361)275-1900