We are living in times where things can seem really sad and scary. Some of our favorite things have been cancelled due to gathering restrictions and social distancing regulations. A great way to release these feelings is through journaling. Journaling is something that does not have rules; it's completely up to you! With the purchase of a simple notebook and colored pencils or markers, students can reflect on their day, measure their mood, relieve any stress, and set goals for the near and distant future. This can be done through writing, drawing, or a combination of both. Since journaling can contain really personal information, it is best to keep your journal in a safe place. I would recommend keeping it home. I have included some tips to creating a journal, what can be included, and how to keep up with it below. I also have a journal specific to COVID, and the many emotions surrounding this virus. Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, I am unable to post this journal publically on the Guidance Corner page, but I can email it to you privately. Feel free to send me an email (alosito123@stannesgcschool.org) and I can pass along this information to you. 

There may be times where we are unable to release our feelings or speak to a trusted adult about them, but we can still control them from taking over and causing a disruption to the current task. Deep breathing is a strategy used to calm feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and stress. These exercises can be done anywhere, at any time, without attracting attention. This short YouTube video shows how deep breathing can happen anywhere:

The following video teaches you how to focus on your breathing to relieve those negative feelings and help focus you back onto the task at hand.