Hi, Buffalo Nation! I am glad you are here!

Use these tips to take a break from the barrage of constant communication and manage your stress in a healthy way.

1. Get some sleep.
   Getting enough sleep helps you grow and develop normally, pay attention throughout the day and maintain overall health. For teens, this means about 8-10 hours each night.

2. Focus on your strengths.
   Take some time to think about what you’re good at and ways to do more of those things. By focusing on and building your strengths, you can keep your stressors in perspective.

3. Do things that make you happy.
   Find activities or hobbies that make you happy and incorporate them into your daily life. This might be a physical sport, an artistic outlet or spending time with family and friends.

4. Engage in physical activity.
   Exercise takes our mind off stress and releases chemicals in our brain that make us feel better. This can be anything from a stroll in the park to a bike ride or basketball game with friends.

5. Talk to someone.
   It can be hard to manage stress alone. Talk to a parent, teacher or other trusted adult about your problems and they may be able to help you find new ways to manage your stress.

I have created this site to stay connected to you, Buffalo Nation! I hope you are all doing well and practicing social distancing to keep yourself and others safe and well. I will use this site to add helpful resources for you and your family. I am here for you.

Parents, if you have any questions or your child would like a Check In Call from me, please email me at creyes@petersburgisd.net to set something up. I know this is a challenging time for everyone. If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to email me.

Here are some reminders/tips to make the journey through this pandemic more bearable.

• A positive mindset makes the process of difficult situations much smoother. We are in this together.

• A grateful heart is a happy heart. Think of three different things that you are grateful for each day.

• Let's remember to focus on things we can control VS what we cannot. We can control our choices and how we react. We cannot control things like the weather or how others act.

• Make good choices.

• Make sure you are reading and working hard to be the best you can be. If you struggle with Math Facts, this is a great time to practice and maybe make a game out of it.

• It is natural to be concerned and maybe even worried. We are all walking through uncharted times. Give a few mintues to worry. Time yourself. When time is up, move on to more productive thinking. Worry doesn't help us grow to be the best we can be.

• Think of ways to make the day brighter for someone around you. Call a friend! Call your grandparent.

• You are not alone. One thing that the Coronavirus has done is make us see how connected we really are. The concerns you have are more than likely the concerns of your classmates.

• Remember to be the BEST BUFFALO that you can be, even at home.

I will be adding more resources on the Social Emotional Support Page.

As always, don't forget how awesome you are. We will get through this.

Remote Learners, email me or fill out this counselor check in if you would like for me to call you or set up a google meet. Thank you!