Wellness Center

We’ve been doing a little “listening campaign” in wellness to understand what adolescents most need from parents and the other adults in their lives. We didn’t expect the answers to be so similar and resounding. In a word, they want the thing we all want, active listening.

The features of active listening include: open curiosity; non-judgment; feedback to reflect understanding; questioning whether the speaker would like advice. We all know how it feels when the person we’re speaking with is waiting their turn to speak instead of really listening. We’re a bit less aware when we’re the ones listening without curiosity and when we’re directing the conversation toward our own agenda.

Try a little exercise with a friend of family member where you each take two minutes to answer a prompt (try “what’s in your heart?” or “what’s really been on your mind lately?”) No interruptions, no feedback. See how it feels and you’ll have a great sense for how you can immediately improve how you’re supporting your teen.

Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)

While it may not be the first stress-reducing strategy to come to mind, connecting with others is easily one of the most effective and available. This is one of the reasons why students set their devices aside when they’re in the center and believe it or not, they’re happy they did. Time and time again, we see students who are overwhelmed connect with us and then turn around and connect with a peer in need. It feels good to talk it out; to learn that many of our experiences are universal; and to both give and receive words of compassion. Next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, do a scan of your emotions and notice where you feel them in your body. After you connect with a compassionate listener who you can count on to be supportive, scan again with close attention to your experience. If you can identify the feeling of a lowered stress response, share that with your kids and see if together, you can create a new habit!  (CS 8/29)

Change can be difficult – even positive life transitions cause stress.  As the new Wellness Coordinator I am thankful I get to pursue my life mission helping kids overcome obstacles that may impede them from leading joyful lives. Along with this positive development, I have encountered stress. To counteract this, I acknowledge the transition and become intentional about finding peace: walking to get ice cream, zoning out to 90’s R&B, and feeling the wind as I bike ride. Our students, too, are in a transition from enjoying more carefree summers to managing alarm clocks, class schedules, and homework while navigating complex social structures. These transitional stressors are added on top of existing concerns. Let’s help our kids out during this difficult transitional period by encouraging them to incorporate some fun or relaxation in their lives. A few minutes of enjoyment and peace can go a long way toward recharging, being happy, and being better students.  

Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)