Wellness Center

Radical acceptance is a powerful tool that can be used to cope with difficult situations that are out of our control. The premise is that by accepting things as they are, instead of internally fighting circumstances, we are able to reduce suffering. Radical acceptance is a challenging concept for many because it’s human nature to want to fight against things we don’t agree with. However, when utilized in a mindful manner, it gives us the opportunity to process in ways that better serve us. Keep in mind, radical acceptance is not choosing to be okay with something we don’t like or agree with but instead accepting “it is what it is”.
As we approach spring break, many of our AHS students know that the end of the school year is near. Practicing radical acceptance with your student might be the perspective shift they need to motivate themselves to finish the year strong. This is especially important for students that might be struggling to turn in work or keep their grades up. It can often feel overwhelming for students to fall behind but with radical acceptance the hope is they can accept the reality of their situation while empowering themselves to make choices to move forward in a positive manner.

The Wellness team will run a six-week mindfulness group during academy on Wednesdays starting Mar 13. We are partnering with Dr. Kristen Freeman (St. Mary’s professor and parent of Acalanes students) in facilitating the group. The purpose of this group is twofold: first, to introduce mindfulness breathing techniques to help students improve anxiety and stress-related symptoms; and second, to explore the potential positive impact on students’ academic performance. These sessions will focus on developing coping strategies and tools to manage stress and anxiety in the school environment, ultimately aiming to enhance classroom performance and attention.
 
If you have any students that are interested, please email Patrick Turner (Wellness Coordinator). A pass will be sent to students to inform them and provide consent forms to complete and return.
 
If you have any questions or concerns and or want more information on what mindfulness is, feel free to reach out to Patrick Turner as well.

With SAT’s right around the corner, it may be beneficial to discuss test anxiety with your AHS student. Test anxiety is actually a form of performance anxiety that affects 25-40% of students. While it’s perfectly normal for a student to feel nervous before a test, test anxiety can be overwhelming for students and disrupt their concentration and ability. Here are a couple steps you can take to support your student in combating their test anxiety:
 
– Positive Self Talk can go a long way in altering one’s perception of their ability. Encourage your student to talk to themselves about how they would talk to a friend or loved one experiencing the same anxiety. We are often our own worst critic and in many instances, we talk to ourselves more negatively than we would ever talk to someone else.
 
– Acceptance of mistakes can also shift your student’s mindset around their ability. First, remind your student that trying their best is realistically the most they can do. Even when trying our absolute best, people still make mistakes. Second, model this behavior for your students. Are you shaming your student when their best effort isn’t “good enough” or beating yourself up when you make a mistake? Offer grace in the face of mistakes. We’re all human after all.
 
-Teach test taking basics to your student so they might feel more confident
when the time comes to take a test. Believe it or not, study skills and test taking strategies are learned. Just because students have to take tests, doesn’t mean they are actually equipped to do so successfully.

Contra Costa County Office of Education is offering a free virtual learning opportunity called Fentanyl Awareness & Overdose Rescue Training. This event is for educators, parents and other caring adults that are interested in current information related to the national fentanyl crisis and what can be done to keep kids in our community safe. Presenters include members of the Medication Education and Disposal Safety (MEDS) Coalition, CourAGE Youth Health Coalition, county educators and parents. This event takes place on Thursday, Mar 7 from 6-7:30pm and while it is free, registration is required.

Contra Costa County Office of Education is offering a free virtual learning opportunity called Fentanyl Awareness & Overdose Rescue Training. This event is for educators, parents and other caring adults that are interested in current information related to the national fentanyl crisis and what can be done to keep kids in our community safe. Presenters include members of the Medication Education and Disposal Safety (MEDS) Coalition, CourAGE Youth Health Coalition, county educators and parents.This event takes place on Thursday, Mar 7 from 6-7:30pm and while it is free, registration is required. 

For many people, February is seen as a month of love but it’s important to reflect on what “love” brings to mind. Romantic love is not the only type of love that should be celebrated this Valentine’s Day! Personally, I think the most powerful form of love is the one that we think of the least.
 
Self-love means a respect, positive regard for, and appreciation of ourselves. Self-love can affect every aspect of our lives and when self-love is nurtured, the possibilities for positivity in our lives flourish. Self-love lends itself to healthier interpersonal relationships, healthier ideas around self-image, healthier self-care habits, and an overall more positive outlook on life. With self-love, boundary setting becomes easier and low self-esteem and comparison to others becomes less frequent. This Valentine’s Day, discuss the power of self-love with your AHS student. Try out these self-love affirmations:

• I am kind to myself
• I am worthy of good things
• Everything I need is within me
• I accept love from myself

February is upon us. For many people, February is seen as a month of love but it’s important to reflect on what “love” brings to mind. Romantic love is not the only type of love that should be celebrated this Valentine’s Day! Personally, I think the most powerful form of love is the one that we think of the least.
 
Self-love means a respect, positive regard for, and appreciation of ourselves. Self-love can affect every aspect of our lives and when self-love is nurtured, the possibilities for positivity in our lives flourish. Self-love lends itself to healthier interpersonal relationships, healthier ideas around self-image, healthier self-care habits, and an overall more positive outlook on life. With self-love, boundary setting becomes easier and low self-esteem and comparison to others becomes less frequent. This Valentine’s Day, discuss the power of self-love with your AHS student. Try out these self-love affirmations:

• I am kind to myself
• I am worthy of good things
• Everything I need is within me
• I accept love from myself

We are so excited to have students back to start the new year! It’s very common for people to use this time to set new goals for the upcoming year. Goal setting is a great way to set up yourself, and your student, for success. Discuss setting SMART goals with your student:

• Specific– narrow goals are more efficient for planning and execution.
• Measurable– how will you know that you are making progress toward reaching your goal?
• Attainable– it’s important that goals are realistic and can actually be achieved.
• Relevant– be sure that your goals align with what you find important in the short and long-term.
• Time based– when setting an end date to assess whether you have met your goal, the date should be both motivating and achievable.

Setting, working toward, and achieving SMART goals is extremely beneficial to mental health. Everyone likes to feel capable and accomplished. This can help improve self esteem, as well as fostering an internal locus of control. 

Please encourage your AHS student to stop by the Wellness Center during lunch time tomorrow, Monday Dec 18, to visit with therapy dogs before finals officially begin.
 
We will also be open for students needing support during finals week with a modified schedule:
Monday- regular hours
Tuesday- Friday, 8am-1pm
 
While winter break is a great time for self care and connection, this time of year can also be difficult for many. Thankfully, the CCCOE Wellness In Schools Program (WISP) has done the heavy lifting in compiling a list of easyto access local and national resources should you find your AHS student in need while away from school. As always, dialing 211 will connect you with a database of community resources, including Contra Costa Crisis Center, and dialing 988 will connect you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 
 
The Acalanes Wellness Center wishes you a happy holiday season!