Student and School Counselor Wellness Greatest Hits

Here are some highlights from our NMSCA Wellness Greatest Hits Compilation:
 

Heather Fried, NM School Counselor of the Year, Website Chair I work directly with school counselors and have heard of the extreme challenges and students who require continual care. One thing I believe is of the utmost importance right now is to take time to reflect upon the growth you have had with your students and families since the beginning of the school year. It is easy to get bogged down by all the crises and student needs and not be able to see a way out. When that happens, reflect on what things were like in August and the gains that have been made through your hard work and dedication. Give yourself credit. You cannot climb a staircase by jumping to the top, you have to go step by step. Congratulate yourself for the steps you have been able to climb so far. When all else fails, there’s always chocolate!
Talia Sierra, Elementary VP I work with elementary school kiddos and this year, I’m helping students identify their circle of control. In a world of chaos, it’s helpful to understand that although there are many things that we have no control over, we are in control of what we say, what we do and how we respond. This simple truth is powerful, as it helps instill a sense of control, while releasing some of the stress that comes from issues that are outside of their control! Like many school counselors, the demand for my services exceeds my working hours, which means there is always something left undone at the end of the day. This year, in order to combat the guilt I was feeling for not getting everything done, I have started a practice where I reflect on at least one good thing I did that day. It helps me to remember the work I’m doing matters. That small practice brings me peace . . . and puts a smile on my face.
Robert Wiebelhaus, Middle School VP Current program to promote student wellness in the school is to include mindful moments where students can reset their minds and practice belly breathing. We also do variations of mindful movement with different stretches in every lesson. For myself I focus on giving myself grace during such a difficult time and attempt to walk my dogs regularly. I force myself to hang out with friends because I know that they will help me to put my head on straight and remind me that what we do with students is invaluable.
Jess Casarez, Legislative Chair I work with elementary students and one activity I enjoy doing with my older students is the wellness triangle. The triangle combines physical health, social health and emotional/mental health for a holistic picture of what it means to be truly well. I like how it is so simple of an image but allows for deeper conversations on each part and how they connect and impact each other. I think it is also a great, quick tool to check in with ourselves. Am I getting enough sleep? How are my relationships? How do I feel about what I am doing? I think the first step of wellness is always to recognize where we are at so that we can recognize how to move forward.
Kristin Reeder, President I work mostly with grades 10–12 this year, and one thing that I love is my yoga and mindfulness elective class. It gives me a chance to have regular, much-needed connection with some of my students with anxiety or other needs, and reminds me how much I need to slow down and breathe. We end each class by setting three self-care goals in writing for the day: drinking water, going to bed by 10:30pm, having a conversation with a friend, walking our dog, a bubble bath, a healthy dinner, etc. No judgement on what we choose, but we do our best to keep our agreements to ourselves. It is how we can build trust in ourselves while practicing some self-love. Even on my toughest days at the school, this class brings me back to my center.
Elesha Fetrow, Outreach My cohort is sixth grade this year. I have lots of voluntold duties like we all do. Rather than fight them, I incorporate my spin on the must-dos and include them in my PDP. It gives me the opportunity to share the why of what I am doing during this time and it allows me to count many of these duties as direct services as well. It is proving to be powerful. Plus, I make it a priority to go outside and just have fun with my cohort during their lunch. Not duty but enjoyment and finding joy in building relationships with them. I perform duty for a different grade level where my attention is much more focused. For my personal life I have rediscovered that being outside is critical for my recharge, so I make space and time to do this a priority. I remembered the loss of sense of time or flow I experienced as a child so am rebuilding this essential piece of me.
Zac Craig, Secretary I am a middle school counselor and use many wellness practices with students, myself and staff, but my favorite is a restorative practice, connection circles. Our restorative practices coordinator facilitates staff circles twice a month that help staff connect to each other and receive support from their colleagues. Connection circles help students understand how they’re feeling and ground them in the present moment with the first prompt, which is always a check in. The second prompt and the connections round helps students learn and empathize with each other, which has been especially important returning from distance learning.

Check out more of our Greatest Hits at nmschoolcounselor.org