June Week 3 Activity

A child’s mental health is just as important as her/his physical health. Though symptoms of physical health are easily visible (cough, cold, fever, etc.), mental health has no clear-cut symptoms. Hence, it is imperative for the students to be aware of how they feel and need to be comfortable to seek support in times of need. Mental health awareness increases the chances of early intervention, and ergo alleviates stressful situations a lot sooner. Students need to know that mental health is not a taboo, and they should not have to suffer in silence. There is no health without mental health.  

• Students will be aware of their different states of mind, be it happy, stressed or sad. 
• Students will be able to articulate how they feel without thinking of mental health discussions as a taboo. 
• Students will consciously work on keeping a healthy and happy mind. 
• Students will show empathy to their peers in their time of need.  

1. Explain the topic in brief.  

2. Start the session with the below video: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nf2Pzcketg 

3. Ask them the following questions: (You can start the conversation by sharing something about yourself) 

• How are you feeling today? 
• Do you ever feel stressed? 
• What situations make you feel stressed? 
• Whom do you like to speak to when you are feeling this way?  
• What are the best ways for you to stay mentally healthy in your life? 
• What are some positive things that you can do to make your day the best, even if you are feeling stressed? 

4. Have a discussion with the students on what comes to their mind when they hear about mental health. 

5. Show the following video to the students:  

• https://youtu.be/OGZjYnZg4Cs 

6. Gently explain to the students that they must not think of mental health as a taboo and should speak freely to whomever they trust in times of need. Moreover, if someone comes to them for help, they should hear them out, all the while keeping their judgements aside, and show utmost empathy and care.  

7. Ask the students to take a minimum of 15 minutes out every day and complete the following tasks, taking on one task a day: 

1. Pen down all things that you are grateful for.  

2. Exercise. (Jump/walk/run/dance)  

3. Write a note of gratitude to a friend or family member whom you are close to, and whom you look up to for support at the time of distress.  

4. Do something that you love. (Sing/paint/write/cook/clean, etc.) 

5. Speak to your close friend and share whatever is on your mind. 

6. Cook a meal with your family. 

7. Feed/give water to a dog/cat/bird in your neighbourhood.  

8. Make a schedule chart on a sheet of paper with the help of the above tasks or include those which you like to do for your 15 minutes schedule. 

9. Click a picture of the handwritten sheet and share with us by uploading it along with responding to the reflection sheet.