Self-Care for Mental Well-Being

Lindsey Price

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Self-Care for Mental Well-Being

Learn self-care techniques

In this lesson, students will learn about various self-care techniques that promote mental well-being, including mindfulness, journaling, and physical exercise. These practical, easy-to-implement activities help students manage stress and maintain a healthy mindset.

Audience

Grade 6-12

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Learn self-care techniques

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Journals, Printable Mindfulness Guide, Mindfulness Video, and Exercise Video

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Greet the students and briefly introduce the topic of self-care for mental well-being.
Explain the importance of self-care and the benefits it has on mental health.

Step 2

Mindfulness Activity

10 minutes

Introduce the concept of mindfulness and its benefits.
Hand out the Printable Mindfulness Guide.
Watch the Mindfulness Video together.
Guide students through a short mindfulness exercise (e.g., breathing exercise).

Step 3

Journaling Activity

10 minutes

Explain how journaling can be an effective self-care technique.
Provide prompts for the journaling activity (e.g., "What are you grateful for today?").
Allow students to write in their journals using the provided prompts.

Step 4

Physical Exercise

10 minutes

Discuss the benefits of physical exercise on mental well-being.
Watch the Exercise Video together.
Lead students through a series of simple exercises or stretches.

Step 5

Discussion and Reflection

7 minutes

Facilitate a discussion using the provided discussion questions.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences with the activities.
Discuss how they can incorporate these self-care techniques into their daily routines.

Step 6

Closure

3 minutes

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Remind students of the importance of self-care.
Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to practice these techniques regularly.

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Reading

Mindfulness Guide

A printable guide to help students understand and practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness Guide

Introduction to Mindfulness

Mindfulness means being fully present in the moment. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Mindfulness Exercise: Breathing

Sit comfortably with your back straight.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose.
Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Focus on your breath and notice how it feels as it enters and leaves your body.
Continue this exercise for 3-5 minutes, bringing your attention back to your breath whenever your mind wanders.

Worksheet

Journaling Prompts

Printable cards with journaling prompts to guide students in their writing.

What are you grateful for today?

Describe a recent challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

What is something that made you smile this week?

How do you feel right now? Why?

What are your goals for the coming month?

Describe a place where you feel calm and happy.

Discussion

Self-Care Discussion Questions

A set of questions to facilitate a discussion on self-care and mental well-being.

What did you enjoy most about today's activities?

Encourage students to share specific activities or moments they found helpful or enjoyable.
Emphasize the positive aspects of self-care.

How do you feel after practicing mindfulness and journaling?

Help students articulate their feelings and thoughts.
Discuss any changes in their mood or mindset.

Can you think of other self-care techniques that you can try at home?

Encourage students to brainstorm additional self-care methods.
Examples: listening to music, spending time in nature, or talking to a friend.

Why is it important to take care of your mental well-being?

Discuss the overall impact of mental health on daily life.
Highlight the importance of self-care in preventing stress and promoting a positive mindset.