School and Community Fall 2023

explained including examples from my own experiences or those with whom I have crossed paths. An early lesson includes a graphic demonstrating activities that help to release different kinds of neurotransmitters. Oxytocin: the love hormone that activates while playing with a pet, holding someone’s hand or receiving a hug. Serotonin: the mood stabilizer that can activate during activities such as running, meditating, getting sun exposure or taking a walk in nature. Along with that information, there would be a couple of discussion questions: What are you doing to take care of yourself? Who or what can help you meet these needs? Kids are introduced to neurotransmitters and activities can help activate those “feel good

their concerns with me by email. Providing a range of emotional words can help students articulate more complex feelings and encourage them to consider both the positive and negative feelings they may have about a course or school in general. Health and physical education curriculums address positive personal habits for physical health such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Equally important is an understanding of how we experience emotions and manage them in the complicated world that surrounds us. Everyone, at some point in life, will experience times of struggle. We will be in a stronger place to handle those trials if we have practiced mental fitness as a way of life. Just like in an emergency situation, we will be grateful for all those jogged miles. Though my initial mission was simply to reach hurting kids, all students have benefitted from shared knowledge and skills. In conversations, students mention those

lessons again and again. These activities have normalized the conversation about mental health, provided courage to battle anxiety or depression and taught tips on managing anger and frustration. Most importantly, the classroom feels like a safe place. Giving the lessons as a part of a typical instruction plan also removes bias as to “who needed it” and without attention being called to any individual. At Rock Bridge High School, our motto is “Where learning is for life.” This clearly references being a person who never stops learning, but also speaks to those lessons outside of the stated curriculum which helps kids be healthier and happier people. Hopefully, the student who struggles with anxiety caused by placing a phone call to a stranger can now develop strategies to overcome it and manage the stress rather than convince someone else to do it for them.

chemicals” in times of need. They also build a strategy for

maintenance of good mental health. When it comes to healthy sleep habits, adolescents frequently struggle and do not realize the connection between ample sleep and mental fitness. We have all known those students for

whom remaining awake in class is a struggle. I usually receive chuckles

from kids when stating they should sleep at least seven to nine hours each night. They have homework, most likely work a job, lead clubs or practice athletic activities, etc. Our culture’s sleep debt habits begin in adolescence and escalate into college and careers. Kids are regularly sleep deprived and yet we are all familiar with the cranky toddler in desperate need of a nap. I encourage the kids to consider how a lower tolerance to frustration due to being tired can lead to a lower ability to cope with life. I encourage them to consider the thought processes in their own minds when facing a day without adequate sleep. It can lead to difficult choices, but prioritizing health is important - both physical and mental. Given that my courses can be very demanding and stressful, another mini-lesson simply includes a graphic of emotional words from very simple to complex followed by, “How are you feeling about your classwork?” Then, I encourage students to discuss their word choices with a friend or to share

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