Welcome to the Wellbeing Section of Element Academy’s website, dedicated to providing parents/carers with valuable resources and advice to enhance family well-being. We understand the importance of nurturing positive mental health and overall well-being for both parents/carers and children. Here are some practical tips to help you prioritise and improve your family’s well-being:
- Establish Routine: Create a consistent daily routine for your family, including regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, and designated time for relaxation and family activities. Predictability can reduce stress and promote a sense of security for both parents/carers and children.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where family members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings openly. Listen actively, validate emotions, and encourage problem-solving together as a family.
- Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity for the whole family, whether it’s going for walks, bike rides, or playing active games together. Physical activity boosts mood, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.
- Prioritise Sleep: Ensure that both you and your child are getting enough sleep each night. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment to promote restful sleep for the entire family.
- Healthy Diet for Wellbeing and Mood: Emphasise the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet for overall well-being and mood regulation. Encourage your family to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine can help stabilize mood and energy levels throughout the day.
- Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries around screen time for both children and adults. Encourage outdoor play, creative activities, and face-to-face interactions to foster healthy development and connection.
- Practice Mindfulness: Introduce mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga into your family’s daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve overall well-being.
- Model Self-Care: Remember to prioritise your own well-being as a parent/carer. Make time for activities that you enjoy, practice self-care, and seek support from friends, family, or professionals when needed.
- Stay Connected: Nurture positive relationships with family and friends. Plan regular family outings or gatherings, and encourage your child to maintain connections with peers through playdates or social activities.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from school resources, community organisations, or mental health professionals if you or your child are experiencing challenges that impact well-being. Asking for help is a sign of strength and demonstrates your commitment to supporting your family’s well-being.
Additionally, here are some recommended apps, websites, and podcasts for further support:
Podcasts:
- Feel Better, Live More
- The Food Medic
- Get Sleepy
- Food for Thought with Rhiannon Lambert
- Spiralling with Katie Dalebout and Serena Wolf
- Happier with Gretchen Rubin
- Slow Radio
- How To Fail with Elizabeth Day
- Happy Place by Fearne Cotton
Apps:
- Catch It
- Cove
- Distract
- Feeling Good: Positive Mindset
- Ieso
- My Possible Self: The Mental Health App
- Pzizz
- SilverCloud
- Sleepstation
- Stress & Anxiety Companion
- Thrive
