Mental health is a critical part of our overall health and well-being. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health “. . . is the component of behavioral health that includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.” Being concerned for students’ mental health matters because it can impact their academic success and overall well-being. Here are 9 strategies to promote mental health in your school.
9 mental health strategies for students to promote well-being
1. Foster positive self-esteem
Schools can encourage self-esteem in many ways. One way is to provide a positive, supportive learning environment where students feel safe taking risks and making mistakes. Teachers can also help students develop a sense of accomplishment by praising their efforts, not just their successes. Classroom activities emphasizing cooperation rather than competition can help students have not only higher self-esteem but also higher achievement.
2. Teach stress management skills
There are many stressors for kids and teens. And according to KidsHealth, not all stress is due to bad events. A range of distressing and not entirely negative events can cause stress—from the death of a pet to an upcoming presentation.
Regardless of the cause of stress, schools can teach stress management skills by incorporating mindfulness and relaxation exercises into the classroom. Students can also feel open to sharing their stressors with a teacher/adult in a safe, discrete way and learn how to cope with them in healthy ways.
3. Encourage outdoor learning
Being outdoors is known to boost mental well-being. According to research, there are many benefits linked to nature, such as lower stress, better mood, and improved cognitive development. When it’s feasible and appropriate to the lesson, try taking students outside so take advantage of the lift that comes from being around nature. Consider these outdoor teaching strategies to make the most of this type of learning.
4. Foster a sense of belonging and community connection at school
A sense of belonging and community can have a powerful positive impact on mental health. When we feel like we belong somewhere and are part of something larger than ourselves, it provides purpose and meaning in our lives—which can be vital to our emotional well-being. One educator shares ways you can build community in your classroom.
5. Emphasize SEL
SEL stands for “social and emotional learning,” which the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines as:
The process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
One way to include SEL in your school curriculum is to have students work on group projects that involve collaborating and communicating with classmates and employing problem-solving and decision-making skills. You could also have students take home activities or lessons related to SEL, such as mindfulness techniques.
6. Make time for movement
Exercise is vital for students’ mental health. In fact, research suggests that “. . . the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in volume in people who exercise than in people who don’t.” Movement releases endorphins, which make you feel good while doing it, elevating your mood. This is why exercise can be an excellent coping mechanism during difficult times in life.
7. Incorporate meditation
Meditation can have a powerful effect on the brain. Numerous studies show that mindfulness training, in which people are trained to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings, can help build the necessary skills for managing stress. Incorporating meditation techniques doesn’t have to be complex. You can start with these breathing exercises for students.
8. Hold an annual “Mental Health Day”
World Mental Health Day occurs every year on October 10. However, you can consider holding your own “Mental Health Day” at any time that’s convenient for your class or school. Students can talk about their feelings and receive extra support from teachers and peers. Schools could also offer additional counseling services and host guest speakers. In addition, teachers could teach lesson plans based on mental health for all subjects.
Additionally, May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, which can be a dedicated opportunity to get young people thinking about their well-being.
9. Carve out unstructured play
It’s been well-documented that unstructured play in schools is essential for mental health. According to research, unstructured play, or free play with no set goal that adults don’t lead, “is a fundamental necessity for children to thrive physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.” In a school setting, unstructured play can look like playing games like tag or creating art.
Finding creative ways to improve mental health in schools
Promoting mental health in schools is critical. Educators can look for creative and engaging ways to add the necessary support. Plus, you can set an example for your students by focusing on your own well-being. By incorporating mental health strategies, schools can create safe and healthy learning environments for everyone.
This article was adapted from a blog post initially developed by the education technology company Classcraft, which was acquired by HMH in 2023. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
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