May 2023 - Mental Health Month
This month is Mental Health Month and we are focusing on the importance of mental health. We held many activities to promote self care take place this month. We had students make stress balls, aromatherapy bottles and painted positive rocks to hide throughout the area outside for others to find positive messages. We also brought in some puppies and bunnies for the students and staff to cuddle with.
This month's post is about Self Love and the importance of it.
As school counselors, we often encounter students who struggle with low self-esteem and a lack of self-love. This can have a negative impact on their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. In this post, we will discuss why self-love is important from a school counselor's viewpoint and how it can benefit students.
Self-love refers to the practice of accepting oneself, recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, and treating oneself with kindness, respect, and compassion. Self-love is important for several reasons, including:
Improved Mental Health: Students who practice self-love are more likely to have positive mental health outcomes. When students love and accept themselves, they are better equipped to handle stress, setbacks, and challenges. This can reduce anxiety and depression and promote a sense of well-being.
Increased Self-Confidence: Self-love can help students develop a sense of self-confidence and self-worth. When students love themselves, they are more likely to view themselves as capable and worthy of success. This can improve their academic performance and social interactions.
Resilience: Self-love can improve students' resilience and ability to cope with difficult situations. When students have a healthy level of self-love, they are better equipped to bounce back from setbacks and overcome challenges.
Positive Relationships: Students who love themselves are more likely to have positive relationships with others. When students have a healthy level of self-love, they are better able to communicate their needs and boundaries, which can improve their relationships with peers, teachers, and family members.
As school counselors, we believe it is essential to promote self-love among students. Here are some ways that our school has encouraged self-love:
Teach Self-Care: We regularly teach students about the importance of self-care and provide resources and activities to help them practice self-care.
Encourage Self-Reflection: At CLHS we encourage students to reflect on their values, strengths, and goals. This can help them develop a sense of self-awareness and promote self-love.
Provide Support: At CLHS we provide counseling services, mentorship programs, and other resources to support students' mental health and well-being.
In conclusion, self-love is essential for students' academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. As school counselors, we encourage schools to promote self-love by teaching self-care, encouraging self-reflection, and providing support. By promoting self-love, schools can help students develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in school and in life.
Check out these videos about the importance of self care/self love.
How We Cope With Anxiety & Stress | MTV's Teen Code
For more resources, check out the Mental Health Resources section of the NLPS website.
If you would like a counselor to connect with your child or your family, you can contact Lindsay Iroume or Erin MacDonald at 780-639-0039.