Self-Care

NLPS Developed Resources

Our Mental Health Team (Student Advocacy Counsellors and SFSK Wellness Coaches) have developed the following resources for our NLPS families:

30 Days of Self-Care Calendar

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Bubble breathing is a calming strategy that helps children focus on their breath in a fun way. You can use this card to remind you of the steps in the strategy when you are outside blowing bubbles.

Want to make some bubble solution to help practice this strategy? Try this recipe:

Materials

  • Large Cup
  • 1/2 cup of dish soap
  • 1-1/2 cups of water
  • 2 teaspoons of sugar
  • bubble wands (see instructions below for how to make your own wands)

Directions

Mix together and stir. Go outside and blow bubbles!

You can also download and print this recipe: Homemade Bubble Recipe

 

Need some wands for blowing bubbles? All you need is pipe cleaners and your imagination!

  1. Take one end of the pipe cleaner and bend it to form a circle approximately the size of a quarter or whatever size you desire.
  2. Make sure the wand will fit inside the container you are using for your bubble solution. Once you are happy with the size and share, twist it together tightly so it stays locked in place.
  3. Get creative with your shapes and have fun!

You can also download and print these instructions: DIY Bubble Wands.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Self-Care Bingo

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Fill in each square with a self-care activity that you enjoy! Compete with family and friends to see who can complete the most activities.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

There are 31 ideas for self-care on this poster. Print it and post it somewhere visible so that you can easily refer to it when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Challenge yourself and your family to rise from the status quo and make self-care a habit.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

Click on the picture to access a downloadable PDF.

This tool provides proprioceptive input and crosses the midline. Can be used for big emotions, high energy and wiggles or to wake you up if feeling tired.

 

Curated Resources

All of the resources below have been reviewed and recommended by our Mental Health Team (Student Advocacy Counsellors and SFSK Wellness Coaches).

  • The Shine App
    Full of resources and activities focused on self-care, including meditation, connection and reflection.
  • Smiling Mind offers a mindfulness app that you and your kids can download for FREE.

The books listed below can be requested at your local library or purchased at the retailer of your choice. Many are also available as audiobooks and we have included read aloud YouTube videos when available.

ABC Mindful Me

by Christiane Engel
Pairing simplified mindfulness principles with each letter of the alphabet, ABC Mindful Me features colorful illustrations of children and animals, as well as playful rhymes to explain each concept to toddlers (and their parents!).



The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation

by Licia Morelli
Emma doesn't really like hurricanes. After a busy day of school and activities, Emma likes to sit still and rest. Her little brother, Henry, does everything but. She calls him "The Lemonade Hurricane." Henry is a lot of fun when he's not storming through the house, so Emma decides to teach him how to be still. By showing him how to sit, bow, and breath, Emma is able to calm the hurricane within Henry.



My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing

by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
In a world that is sometimes too busy, with too many things going on, My Magic Breath will help steer children into a serene space of mindfulness, self-awareness, and balance.

Take 20 with Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler

  • Self Care Session with Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds



  • Self Care Session (Part 2) with Alison Malmon

13 Study Tips: The Science of Better Learning 



Conquering Exam Stress: Lessons from our Bodies 



Draw Your Emotions with this 5 Minute Mindful Art Activity 



How We Cope with Anxiety and Stress | MTV's Teen Code



The Power of Positivity | Brain Games

Self-Care in High School



Self-Care for Kids



Self-Care Just for Kids! 



Self-Care: What it Really Is 



Student Advice on Dealing with Exam Stress



Why Self-Care Isn't Selfish