Enhancing Wellness in
School Mental Health

Mind, Body, & Soul

Wellbeing is “a feeling of vitality, of energy,
of ability to do”.

What is necessary for wellbeing? This is a question that we must each answer for ourselves. The answer to this question is critical in shaping how we care for our psychological, spiritual, and physical self.
To care for ourselves adequately, we must continuously learn what it means to strengthen our sense of wellbeing in each of these areas. According to Jaffee and Scott, wellbeing is “a feeling of vitality, of energy, of ability to do” (1984, p. 152).
Psychological Self
Learning to understand and respond to our needs is a lifelong task. Do you feel positive about yourself and appreciate your skills and abilities?
One key element in our psychological wellbeing is “self time” (Baker, 2002). This refers to the balance between the time we spend with others and the time we spend alone. Solitude allows for reflection and restoration. In fact, it is often essential to our health.
Our meaning and purpose in life deeply impacts our quality of life. Not only does this act as an impetus for our actions and decisions, it also determines our sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in our work, relationships, etc.
Oftentimes, it is those life changing moments or tragic events that lead us to consider our purpose and significance. Take the time to reflect on this regularly…this will be time well spent!
Physical
We often stress the importance of physical health to others, however, this is often neglected in our own lives. To preserve or restore health, evaluate your sleep, nutrition and exercise status. Take inventory and set goals to improve your physical wellness. (continued on reverse)

Research Finding:
A recent study looked at how biofeedback assisted relaxation training could reduce job-related stress for counselors.
Trainees who received relaxation training showed significant improvements in physical complaints, alienation, and overall well-being.
Chandler, C. et al. (2004). Enhancing personal wellness in counselor trainees using biofeedback. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 26(1), 1-7.

Finding the fire within

To truly discover your passion, you must first ask the right questions. If you answer yes to most of these questions, you've found an activity you love.
Do you lose track of time doing this activity?
Do you get excited just thinking about it?
Do you feel energized by it?
Do you dream about it?
Do you lose self-consciousness doing it?
Do you perform beyond your usual abilities when engaged in it?
Has your enthusiasm remained high over a period of time?
Do you seek out people who share this interest?
Reference
http://lifestyle.msn.com/MindBodyandSoul/personalgrowth
Dr. Kenneth Rogers teaches in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine.
Dr. Kenneth Rogers teaches in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine.

Mind, Body, & Soul (Continued)

We all know the consequences of negligence in this area - diminished mental and physical functioning, increased risk of disease…the list goes on. Take personal responsibility for your body and set out to be active and health conscious.
Spirituality
Spirituality has been defined in a number of different ways: the state or quality of being dedicated to God, religion, or spiritual things or values; being connected to the essence of self, others and life; the experience or relationship with the empowering source of ultimate value.
The relationship between spirituality and wellbeing has received a lot of attention recently. Research has revealed positive effects of prayers, meditation, yoga, and other rituals on physical recoveries as well as psychological functioning (Baker, 2002).
Tending to our mind, body, and soul is a learning process. And it takes practice! Devoting time to caring for ourselves is always a wise investment, not only for ourselves but for those we love, work with and counsel.
References
Baker, E. K. (2002). Caring for Ourselves: A Therapists Guide to Personal and Professional Well-Being. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Jaffee, D. T., & Scott, C. D. (1984). From Burnout to Balance: A Workbook for Peak Performance and Self-Renewal. New York: McGraw-Hill.