Generation Wellness Blog

Teaching is the third most stressful career in America. One out of every two educators will leave the profession within the first five years. These stats illustrate just how much stress is dramatically impacting educators. We are losing great teachers each year.

It seems that we can no longer turn away from creating a culture where staff well-being is the foundation. After all, it's vital to take care of ourselves, so that we can serve from our highest potential. Our stress effects how we show up for students, staff, and families.

Self-care is not limited to staying hydrating and getting eight hours of sleep. While those activities are very important, there are many ways to fill your cup and nourish all pieces of your being. Take a look at some simple practices: 

Personal: Honor your true self and do one thing you enjoy once/week.

Physical: Exercise for 20 minutes/day.

Financial: Splurge or save (depending on the day).

Social: Reach out for support and connect with...

Does this quote strike a nerve? 

"Dysregulated students will not learn." - Bruce Perry, Author + Researcher

It's true. It's neuroscience. And, over the past decade, we've learned a considerable amount about how stress and trauma affects the brain and body. Now the question becomes what are we going to do about it and how will our school systems change in order to match what the research is telling us.

How many students are walking into school dysregulated? Many.

So, you believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn and practice activities that help de-stress, but how in the world does this become a reality? How does self-regulation become a standard practice each day throughout the entire school?

Well, you are about to get some answers and inspiration. Take a listen to this 15 minute interview with Sabrina Castro, a Social Skills Teacher in Toppenish, who led her district in implementing self-regulation activities and interventions that allow students...

While traveling around the country and facilitating trainings, I get to meet extraordinary educators. Not only do we share a day or two of laughter, tears, stories, and strategies, but we stay connected through email, the app, webinars, and the Facebook group.

Last week I received an email from an amazing person who attended the Generation Wellness Training earlier this year and I feel that many of you may be going through the same thing, so I felt it was necessary to share:

QUOTABLE: "I am somebody. I was somebody when I came. I'll be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful, and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here. I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go." 

Listen to this inspiring talk from Rita Pierson, an educator who truly understands how relationship building is so important. She talks about giving students purpose, supporting them, looking for the positives, and even more. This TED Talk has gone viral, for a very well understood reason. Every kid needs a champion, and you can be that champion!

Source: https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion#t-433250

Gratitude isn’t just for the month of November or Thanksgiving time.  It’s nice to focus on the good during these times, however being grateful all year can improve your quality of life. Who wouldn’t be grateful for that?

Really though, developing gratitude is one of the simplest ways to improve satisfaction with your life. It doesn’t cost money, and it doesn’t take a lot of time.

BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE:  

• Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve your satisfaction with life.
• It’s a scientific fact that practicing gratitude improves your health.
• Gratitude increases longevity. People who practice gratitude have better physical health = less aches and pains.
• Gratitude helps foster new relationships - when you appreciate others, the potential for forming meaningful relationships is  increased.
• Gratitude enhances empathy and the ability to be sensitive to other people... even when...

Do you believe in creating a positive school climate, educating the whole child, and implementing cutting-edge discipline practices that decrease behavior referrals?

If your answer is yes, then we invite you to join over 10,000 educators who've experienced the Generation Wellness Training! You can host a training at your school or email us if your interested in hosting a "public training" for significant savings.

This fun, interactive training provides the blueprint for creating a trauma-informed school with practical tools that build self-regulation, connection, and focus, so that all students and staff have the opportunity to thrive. Also included in the training:

• The latest research on the brain and body response to stress/trauma.
• A packet filled with all cutting-edge information and all 50 activities.
• One year free subscription to the Generation Wellness App.
• Help developing a plan to immediately integrate mindful practices and social/emotional learning into your...

Service projects are a great way to build community, empower students to dream big, and help others.

In this episode of the Generation Wellness Spotlight, you will:

- Find out why two WA state educators decided to create this service project and the ripple effect it created.

- Hear how a school district and local community raised over $20,000 to build two schools in Kenya.

- Learn ideas and specific strategies for implementing successful service projects. 

The Generation Wellness Spotlight highlights educators around the world who have attended the Generation Wellness training. We believe in sharing the good work that our #wellnesswarriors are doing to create a better school, community, and world. If you have a story you would like to share, email us at: [email protected].

Interested in starting a service project at your school? Access the complete kit with example forms, flyers, emails, and more here:

We've got a simple practice for you that will increase student engagement, focus, and the overall learning experience! Are you ready for it? Drum roll please....

Get up and move!

Simple, but profound.

The science is clear: In order for students to learn, they need to be able to pay attention. In order to pay attention, we need to let students move.

Brain breaks re-energize the brain, so that more learning and retention can occur. According to Wendy Suzuky, "Movement is the most transformative thing we can do for our brains." Let's examine the reasons why according to research.

Benefits of Brain Breaks:

• Increase focus
• Increase productivity
• Improve student problem solving
• Improve cognitive skills
• Decrease stress
• Reduces disruptive behavior
• Promote physical fitness
• Improve mood
• Improve short-term memory
• Improve long-term memory

What We Can Do (Simple Action Steps):

• Research shows that more learning occurs when taught in smaller chunks of time with many short breaks,...

Morning Meetings are a great way to kick off the school day with success... building community, setting intentions, and preparing the brain for learning.

In this episode of the Generation Wellness Spotlight, you will:

- Understand "the why" of Morning Meetings.

- Hear how this school in Eatonville, WA begins each morning together (yes, ALL students and staff in the gym).

- Learn ideas and specific strategies for implementing successful Morning Meetings. 

For more information about Anne Malver (School Counselor in Eatonville School District) and her new book, click here.

The Generation Wellness Spotlight highlights educators around the world who have attended the Generation Wellness training. We believe in sharing the good work that our #wellnesswarriors are doing to create a better school, community, and world. If you have a story you would like to share, email us at: [email protected]