School Closure Counseling Resources
Welcome to our new resources site! Here you will find a variety of resources as well as some tips to help get you through this unusual time. We will continue to update the site over time so keep checking back.
Throughout this remote learning adventure, we will continue to be here to support you. If you want to connect with your counselor, send an email with a time you are available and the best phone number to reach you. We are available M-F from 8-3:20. We are here for you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Remember that your teachers are also here to support you.
TIPS
It is perfectly okay to be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions right now. Some of you are homebodies or prefer online learning and are loving staying at home. Others may even be experiencing various levels of anxiety and/or panic. Feeling some anxiety is perfectly normal right now. Often, the fear and anxiety gets worse when you feel like you don't have control-but you do have control over many things right now:
Wash your hands and stop touching your face. Yes, it really is that simple.
Stay soically connected. Humans are social beings and thrive on connection. Since we all need to be practicing social distancing, we need to connect in ways that are safe. FaceTime a friend. Text someone you haven't heard from in a while. Have a Netflix Party. Have an online dance party.
Stay active. Fresh air is good for us so go for a walk in your neighborhood or a park. Some fitness apps are currently free to help support people over the next month (check out Down Dog for yoga- they also have other apps liek HllT and 7 minute workouts).
Do things that relieve stress for you. Check out apps such as Headspace or Calm if that appeals to you. Or maybe pull out that dusty Monopoly board game and spend time with your family. Bingeing on Netflix is okay but try not to get caught up for hours.
Disconnect. After spending all day on your computer, walk away from technolog for a bit. Your eyes and brain need a rest.
If you feel yourself getting caught up in the frenzy, talk to someone you trust. Journaling is also a good way to sort out the thoughts in your head.
Write down things you are grateful for. There are so many benefits of gratitude and it can be life-changing. For now, it can help get you through these long days.
SCHOOL SPECIFIC TIPS:
Create a daily schedule. You should stick to your normal routine as much as possible. After the "school day" is over, get away from technology for a bit. Make sure you do something active every day. Schedule in dinner and family time as well. Mr. Sutton sent out a sample schedule see it here....School Closure Suggested Schedule
Get up and move in between "classes". It is even better if you can walk outside for a minute just for some fresh air. Do some jumping jacks or have a mini dance party-- something to get your blood flowing. This will help to give you a burst of energy, wake up your body and brain, and get you ready to settle in for your next class.
Create a workspace (not your bed). It can be a desk, a table, or a space in your home that's dedicated to your schoolwork adn is as distraction-free as possible. Make it comfortable because you will be spending a lot of time there. Add a plant or two. Put some photos or a cool drawing up, make it a place you love.
Get dressed every day. I know, I know---hanging out in your pj's all day sounds awesome, but putting on some regular clothes helps us shift into a work mindset and be more productive.
Ask for help. If you are struggling with an assignment, it's okay to reach out to your teachers.
RESOURCES
Fitness
Down Dog (free app for yoga, HIIT, barre, 7-min workouts---sign up with your BCSD email and all of their apps will be free until July 1)
Planet Fitness (offering free 20-minute at home workouts
Les Mills (there are a variety of workouts here but I will make a special note about the dancing videos. If you like dancing, click on Born to Move. There are different age levels so you can do one for yourself or even grab your younger sibling for some fun.)
YMCA On Demand (includes a variety of workouts)
Journaling
Stress and Anxiety
COVID-19 Resources
It is so easy to get caught up with the storm in the media right now, but force yourself to disconnect. If you must, check only trusted sources such as the CDC and WHO. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your parents or another trusted adult. If the people around you won't stop talking about it and it's causing your more anxiety, it's okay to ask them to stop. WE are allin this together and must support each other.
This is a very challenging time for all of us. It's hard not being able to see your friends and go about yoru daily routine. However, you must remember why we are doing this: to protect ourselves and others. We can all be carriers of this virus and not even know that we are spreadign it. By staying in our homes and limiting interactions with others, we are keeping everyone safe. If you are a healthy young adult, you may only be sick for a short time. However, it can be severe and life-threatening for others who have chronic health problems or are older. Social distancing protects the ones we care about and love. Check out this great video that clearly shows the power of social distancing.
Here is an extra resource for you on how to keep the greater good in mind during this time. It also has lots of other resources available on their website.
Mindfulness
Feeling Bored?
Virtual Tours (zoos, national parks, museums, trips around the world)
General Teen Websites
Mental Health Resources (amazing list of resources that cover all sorts of topics. Check it out!)
TeensHealth (there are tons of different topics on this site)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (includes some great information about how to help a friend too!)
The Trevor Project (excellent LGBTQ+ resource -- also includes suicide prevention information)
Need to talk to someone? (note in an emergency call 911!)
Crisis Text Line TEXT HOME to 741741 and a crisis worker will respond. Their website also has extra resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline- You can chat online or call 1-800-273-8255. Their website also has extra resources.
COVID-19 Resources
It is so easy to get caught up with the storm in the media right now, but force yourself to disconnect. If you must, check only trusted sources such as the CDC and WHO. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your parents or another trusted adult. If the people around you won't stop talking about it and it's causing your more anxiety, it's okay to ask them to stop. WE are allin this together and must support each other.
This is a very challenging time for all of us. It's hard not being able to see your friends and go about yoru daily routine. However, you must remember why we are doing this: to protect ourselves and others. We can all be carriers of this virus and not even know that we are spreadign it. By staying in our homes and limiting interactions with others, we are keeping everyone safe. If you are a healthy young adult, you may only be sick for a short time. However, it can be severe and life-threatening for others who have chronic health problems or are older. Social distancing protects the ones we care about and love. Check out this great video that clearly shows the power of social distancing.
Here is an extra resource for you on how to keep the greater good in mind during this time. It also has lots of other resources available on their website.
Just for Fun!
Humor is a great way to get through a tough situation. Laughter relieves tension, releases endorphines (feel good chemicals) into your body and can lighten a situation. So feel free to laugh at he funny memes and TikTok videos coming out. If you have a great joke to share, email it to Mrs. Mayers and I may add it below.
I'll leave this one for you here: Anyone remember the "Where's Waldo" books from your childhood? This iImages the coronavirus version:
Of course we also need one that has nothing to do with the coronavirus:
