-
Downtime
When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge. Downtime is an unplanned activity that can lead us to many different opportunities. It could happen between activities like when we are waiting for the next class to start or waiting in the line up at the bank. Downtime is particularly useful when we have come to frustration about something. It leads to creativity and insight. Whatever was the cause of the frustration is solved.
-
Physical Time
In addition to physical health benefits, physical activity also improves cognition, brain function and mental health. How much physical time is needed to maintain brain function and mental health? Sweat – 60 minutes daily Step – several hours daily Sit – less than two hours Sleep – 9 to 11 hours How can we follow though on these guidelines at home? Yoga Ballet at Home Level 1/2 Ballet with Heather Foster from Arts Umbrella on Vimeo. YMCA or just a good old fashioned dance party! Start making your best day…..click the image to get started. I hope you enjoy these resources to get your brain and body healthy! Ms.…
-
Sleep Time
When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day. One Breath Relaxation from Mindmasters. Listen to this as you are laying down in a quiet space. Click the link for more fun facts and games about sleep. http://sleepforkids.org/html/cycles.html
-
Healthy Mind Platter – Playtime
When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain. Adults also benefit from play as it makes the brain younger, relieves stress, and improves relationships and connections to other. According to Bob Hughes, (play theorist in the UK) there are 16 types of Play. Below are a few examples. Division 6 – This week, write a comment or send me a photo of how you got your daily intake of playtime. Fun activities: Vancouver Public Library is doing a bookface contest until May 11th. See example: Lunch…
-
Mental Health Week May 4-10
Mental Health week in Canada was created to bring awareness and acknowledgement of the thousands of children, youth and families needing mental health support. In classrooms, to help students understand mental health, I tell them that all of us have mental health, just like physical health. It’s the way the brain reacts to everyday life events. Therefore, it is a priority to take care of the health of our minds so that we can adapt to the challenges that life presents to us no matter how big or small they may be. Dr. Stan Kutcher is the leading professional in the field of mental health. He is a Senator,…
-
Connecting Time
When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain’s relational circuitry. Think of 3G 2P – Generosity, Gratitude and Giving back – People and Planet This week, write a comment or send me a photo of how you got your daily intake of Connecting Time. anna.aquila@burnabyschools.ca
-
Healthy Mind Platter
Hello Families, I would like to share the Healthy Mind platter by Dr. Dan Seigel and David Rock. It is a great way to get the essentials that the brain needs daily. Watch the video for an explanation and click the image of the platter to get more information. https://www.drdansiegel.com/resources/healthy_mind_platter/
-
Resources for Children
Hello Families, I have added a new page with resources geared toward supporting children through Covid-19. Click the top tab called resources for more information. Below is a photo of a book written by Ana Gomez. She is an experienced Psychotherapist from Phoenix. The book helps families and children explore emotions and uses the metaphor of a oyster taking an irritating grain of sand to produce beautiful things. She explores ten “superpowers” that children can participate in to help them care for their wellbeing. I hope you find the resources for children section useful.
-
Welcome Students, Families & Teachers!
My name is Anna Aquila and I am a counsellor with over twenty years of experience working in elementary schools in Burnaby. My hope is that this is a space to connect, find information and relevant resources. Currently, I am based at two elementary schools. Montecito – Mondays and Thursdays Stoney Creek – Tuesdays, Wednesdays (till noon) & Fridays