Well being in covid delta outbreak

 The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 has undergone genetic mutations over time as it adapts to humans, leading to the development of new variants of the virus. One of these new variants, the Delta variant, is swiftly becoming the dominant variant globally.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on how we interact with others, go about our lives, our work, study and many other aspects of our lives. We know that a combination of stress and uncertainty can have significant and wide-reaching impacts on the mental wellbeing of people in New Zealand. People should know it is normal to not feel all right all the time – it’s understandable to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, anxious or angry during this crisis. Everyone reacts differently to difficult events, and some may find this time more challenging than others. The ways people think, feel and behave are likely to change over time – we all have good days and bad days.

During this time, you may be looking for new or additional ways to help you feel mentally well and get through. Here you can find information on tools to support your own and others’ mental wellbeing and where to get help if you need it.

Keep your usual routines: If you're working from home, stick to your usual mealtimes, bedtimes, etc, as structure helps keep us grounded and calm. 

Don’t overwork: Don't forget to clock off as becoming over-tired or fatigued isn’t going to help your mental wellbeing or your organisation.

Eat well: Choose healthy foods that help boost mental health. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; wholegrain bread, rice and pasta; and legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas. Keep sugary, salty and foods high in saturated fats to a minimum. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Keep active: Even if you don't feel comfortable going to the gym, try to get some exercise. Head outside - garden, go out for a walk or run, but still keep your distance from others. Search the internet for some yoga, Tai Chi or stretch routines, which can also be calming. 

Connect: Keep in touch with family and whānau, friends and workmates. Depending on the COVID-19 situation, and people's health, you may need to keep a physical distance. 

Mental Health awareness week(Reflection)

 This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is September 21 to 27, and the theme is Reimagine Wellbeing Together: He Tirohanga Anamata. It is more timely than ever as we reflect on the uncertainties and stresses caused by COVID-19. MHAW 2020 is an opportunity for everyone to redefine and rediscover what wellbeing looks like, during COVID-19 and beyond. 

 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is a reminder that we all have mental health – it's a taonga/treasure and something to look after! MHAW is an opportunity for a school or Kura community to reimagine wellbeing and nurture a culture of wellbeing where everyone feels safe, supported and valued.

This year hasn't been easy, and MHAW 2020 is a chance to build on the simple things we’ve been doing to look after ourselves and to reimagine what wellbeing looks like – together. MHAW is a timely reminder of the simple, everyday actions tauira/students and kaiako/teachers can take to look after their wellbeing. It is an opportunity for tamariki/children, tauira, kaiako and more comprehensive staff and whānau to reimagine what experiences, actions, relationships and surroundings make them feel good. 

Thoughts of Back in School(Reflection)

                     Returning to school after the second wave of Lockdown.

Pupils’ experiences of the lockdown period will have been very varied. For some, it will mostly have been a safe and enjoyable time. For others, it will have been challenging or traumatic. Schools and teachers are used to supporting their pupils through challenges that they face in life – the current situation will amplify those situations many times over.  

As a teacher, I am already aware of the experiences that my pupils are having, and as schools reopen, the specific challenges that the school community is facing will become more apparent. Supporting your pupils through this transition will draw on many of the skills you use day-to-day to provide personal and academic advice and guidance. 

Different pupils within the same class will have had very different experiences of the lockdown period. They will also have varying levels of coping skills and resilience in dealing with those experiences. Having an open mind about what pupils may be going through and how they will be dealing with it will be necessary.  

Pupils may not feel able to jump straight back into learning immediately when they return to school. Disrupted ability to focus is a common experience for children and young people who have experienced bereavement or trauma. Immediately returning to scheduled lessons might lead to disruptive behaviour as pupils get used to seeing each other again. Finding time to allow them to work through these conversations and get ready to learn could be helpful if you can schedule them in. 

The return to school may be the first contact that pupils have had with each other in many weeks. Launching straight back into the usual timetable is likely to be challenging, as pupils have had a long period away from the regular daily routine. They may also have lots of thoughts and questions about the time away from school.  Of course, there is also a need to make sure pupils begin catching up on work they have missed.

On the very first day in school, I will talk about rules in Level 2 at school. What are the expectations of the teachers and how students can be safe at school?