For a long time now we’ve made it a habit at our family dinners to go around the table and talk about our favourite thing for the day. It means we all finish the day thinking about what went well, rather than the not so much.
That hasn’t changed with our covid stay-at-home life. Although what was our favourite thing is a lot more consistent as our days don’t change all that much.
Just before the Easter break, Heckle’s school shared this with the school community. The evening GEM made me think about our little family tradition. I think this is a lovely guide to maintaining a good headspace, not only through covid, but generally.
Our mental wellbeing is so important right now, and incorporating our GEM principles (Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness) into your daily routine is a great way for you and your family to stay mentally healthy.
from Heckle’s school
Evidence tells us that consistent practise and implementation of the GEM principles will make you happier and more resilient, so we have provided below an example of how you can do this at home.
Looking for more inspiration? The Resilience Project App and Journals give you a large range of daily reflections, questions and practical activities, helping you to practice GEM and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
The App: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/the-resilience-project-app/
6 Month Journals: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/product/6-month-my-resilience-project-journal/
Do you do anything like this? Or is this something you might take up?
April 29, 2020 at 8:13 pm
Sounds like a good way to stay positive!
April 30, 2020 at 9:24 am
It is, Sue, and it seems to work.
April 29, 2020 at 8:54 pm
This is great. I am so glad they are teaching mindfulness and gratitude to kids, with a side of kindness and compassion. I wish more schools would do this. There was nothing like this for my generation, growing up.
Deb
April 30, 2020 at 9:26 am
Yeah, this certainly didn’t happen when I was at school. But Jeckle’s school is really on top of this sort of thing.
April 29, 2020 at 10:50 pm
Wow, what a great program. The afternoon mindfulness jumped out at me, because that is the time of day when I, and I’m sure others, start to feel a little tired or cranky or just fed up with the situation both inside and the house 🙂 What a perfect time for a mindfulness break!
April 30, 2020 at 9:29 am
I think afternoons are when everything gets a little harder. By the way, I must have subconsciously inserted “outside” into your first comment, because I was puzzled when I read your second comment and had to reread the first one to understand what you meant!
April 29, 2020 at 10:50 pm
inside and outside, that is…
April 29, 2020 at 11:32 pm
That’s such an awesome thing for his school to do! Woohoo!
April 30, 2020 at 9:32 am
This week they sent every student at the school a balloon with a little note on how to turn it into a stress ball. And they’ve also given them a chart with things to do to earn points (not sure yet what the points are for), like cleaning the toilet or vacuuming the floors. I’m guessing the points will get them some sort of reward when they eventually return to school.
April 30, 2020 at 1:57 am
We did your approach–of talking about what went well at dinner. The kids still remember it and they’re both in their 30’s.
April 30, 2020 at 9:33 am
Wow, that’s so cool, Jacqui. I wonder if my Barbarians will remember?
April 30, 2020 at 7:26 am
I really dislike the practice of having to say out loud things like that. It’s just one of my things. But, I read somewhere a good practice is to while you’re brushing your teeth to think of three things you’re grateful for at that moment. I enjoy doing that.
April 30, 2020 at 9:36 am
I’m actually with you on that, Liz, when it is anyone except my family. The Hub and I wouldn’t do it (and didn’t do it) when it was just us, but the Barbarians make the difference. I like the idea of having a daily reminder (like teeth brushing) to get you think something positive. That’s a cool idea.