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Welcome to the Augusta County Public Schools Virtual Wellness Retreat-your place for staff, caregiver and student resources to promote social, emotional and mental wellness. Under each section below, you'll find multiple supports for when you are finding it hard to handle stress and deal with the uncertainty the last few years have created. We hope these supports provide you with tools to reconnect with yourself, be present in the moment and restore hope for a brighter future.
Welcome to the Augusta County Public Schools Virtual Wellness Retreat-your place for staff, caregiver and student resources to promote social, emotional and mental wellness. Under each section below, you'll find multiple supports for when you are finding it hard to handle stress and deal with the uncertainty the last few years have created. We hope these supports provide you with tools to reconnect with yourself, be present in the moment and restore hope for a brighter future.
Grounding
Grounding
Meaning to bring your focus to what is happening to you physically, either in your body or in your surroundings. The idea of reconnecting with the earth instead of being trapped by the thoughts in your mind that are causing you to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Learn more about grounding.
Journaling
Journaling
A place to confess your struggles and fears without judgment or punishment. By providing a space for your thoughts to get out of your head and on paper, your world may appear calmer. Learn more here.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
"Maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. ... When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we're sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future." Learn more here.
Headspace Mini Meditation- 1 min
Breath Bubble -2 min
Mindful Breathing Meditation -3 min
Mind Yeti: Slow Breathing Instructions-4 min
Mind Yeti: Meet Your Hubbubbles-4 mins
Guided Meditation -5 min
Daily Calm Practice -10 mins
Cosmic Kids: Squish the Fish-15 minutes
Visual Relaxation (Nature Scenery) 3 hours
Visual Relaxation 12 hours
Calming Yourself Down Strategies
8 Guided Meditation Apps for Kids
6 Mindfulness and Meditation Apps for Kids
Best Meditation Apps for Adults
Yoga/Physical Practices
Yoga/Physical Practices
Yoga is a mind-body activity that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. "Yoga may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate. And almost anyone can do it." Learn more about the benefits.
Go Noodle: Bring It Down-4 mins
Mind Yeti: Body Movement-4 mins
Go Noodle: Manage Your Frustration-4 mins
Go Noodle: Own Your Power-4 mins
Ice Age Dance Party Sid Shuffle-3 mins
Move and Freeze Song-4 mins
Yoga To Calm & Unwind-4 mins
Yoga To Improve Concentration-7 mins
Yoga For The Classroom -10 mins
Yoga for Self-Regulation (Teens) -10 mins
Yoga For Calm -15 mins
Yoga For Beginners -16 mins
Yoga For Teens -20 mins
Yoga For Bedtime -20 mins
Yoga for Teens -30 mins
Yoga For Stress Relief -20 mins
Calming Strategies and Stress Management
Calming Strategies and Stress Management
DIY Sensory
DIY Sensory
Puzzles and Games
Puzzles and Games
Esti Mysteries (Scroll down to see categories by grade level)
Regulation Zone
Regulation Zone
A child's brain organization occurs bottom-up, with the brainstem (survival brain) developing first and then the thinking brain (cortical) developing by late adolescence. A person must be regulated to access their thinking brain. "One of the most helpful ways to move children from these super-high anxiety states, to their calmer ‘thinking brain’, is patterned, repetitive rhythmic activity. "
Here are some ideas: Brainstem Calmer Activities and Regulation Toolkit
Music
Music
Music is a great tool to help with self-regulation. Instrumental music (drums, classical etc.) that is patterned, repetitive and rhythmic is ideal rather than a favorite song that could have an emotion/memory attached to it.
African Drums Instrumental (Youtube)
Drums Playlist (Amazon Music subscription required)
Guitar Music with Underwater Scenes
Chimes, Rain, Thunder, and Wind Ambiance (12 hours)
Body Sensations
Body Sensations
Increasing your awareness of your body sensations helps you become more present. Recognizing the sensation is a helpful first step before assigning a feeling/emotion or attempting regulation. Notice the sensation under the emotion.
Body Sensation List (Alphabetical)
Inside Out Feelings (Activity)
*Once you find the emotion/sensation describe it. Use these questions to help with the description:
Where is the sensation in the body? (It may be in the head, chest, arm, tummy, etc. Let the child tell you where it is.)
How big is it?
What shape is it?
Does it have a color (or colors)?
Is it warm or cold? Sharp or pointy or fluffy, etc?
Is the feeling moving or changing in any way?
What is the name of the feeling? (happy, glad, good, nice, joy, etc.)
Explore and seek adventure
Explore and seek adventure
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