Mrs. Smithmeyer, the library media specialist at South High, knows that mental health has been affecting students and staff of South High School. To ease the problem, she began Wellness Wednesdays to further help students and staff focus on their mental health. In an interview with the Sudhian, she listed the reasons behind her decision.
What gave you the idea for Wellness Wednesdays?
“Dr. Mortrud and I were talking about ways to support the well-being of students and staff, so that’s where the idea originated. The FACS department was actually the first group in the school to use the term, ‘Wellness Wednesdays,’ so we borrowed the term from them.”
Why does this matter to you?
“The research on meditation and mindfulness shows that it reduces anxiety, and I know a lot of people struggle with that, including me. Even if you don’t, these strategies help you feel calmer and more focused, which is great for success at school!”
Why do you think wellness is essential?
“If you don’t take care of your health or mental health, your quality of life goes down. I want our students and staff to be their best selves, and taking care of ourselves helps us have better lives. Wellness Wednesdays remind everyone in our community that we have the power to help ourselves.”
Why do you think it will help students improve?
“Having a weekly focus on wellness keeps these ideas fresh in our minds and it gives us time and opportunities to practice. We might know about strategies to help us, but we have to habitually do them to benefit, and that’s why weekly reminders and practice are important. Hopefully, it will become a routine that students will continue to practice even once they leave South High.”
What ways do you think are best to help students to improve wellness?
“Each person has to see what works best for them, there are lots of ways to support wellness. Meditation, mindfulness, exercise, gratitude, social connection (including with animals), and self-compassion are scientifically proven to help calm us, make us happier, and even support our immune systems. Of course, a healthy sleep schedule and nutritious food are very important, too.”
Do you have any words of affirmation to help kids have a better view of themselves and their wellness?
“I think the students at South High are amazing and many of them have a lot of struggles in their life. I wish they could see the wonderful things each of them has to offer, but sometimes it’s hard to see that in ourselves. That’s why practicing meditation and self-compassion are important, they help us to slow down and honor ourselves.”
After personally trying the meditation methods that were offered by Mrs. Smithmeyer, I felt less stressed, like my problems were slowly drifting away. If you focus more on your mental health, you can be able to focus on school and other activities more efficiently. You should try meditating on Wellness Wednesday!
