Virtual Wellness Retreat

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 two 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

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

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

"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.

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.

Calming Strategies and Stress Management

Coloring

Self-Care

DIY Sensory

Puzzles and Games

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

Deep Breathing & Body Scans

Music

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

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.)

Empowering Education-Teaching Lesson

Feelings Gauge (once regulated)

Read Aloud Books

Explore and seek adventure