Emotional Wellness

Emotional wellness involves recognizing, accepting, and expressing feelings. Adequate rest is required for wellness in this dimension. If an individual’s mental function is hindered by stress and lack of sleep, they may struggle with accurately assessing a situation which then triggers negative emotional responses and disrupts emotional wellness. For more information to share with students, feel free to use this slide set: Emotional Wellness PowerPoint

 

KEY TEACHING STRATEGIES to support emotional wellness for students INCLUDE:

  • Providing information for all students about mental health resources on and off campus, in addition to crisis resources (including 988). Inform students how to reach out for help when needed! Post these resources with other classroom resources to allow these to be accessible!
  • Using inclusive language to ensure a sense of belonging by all students.
  • Incorporating frequent wellness breaks during class.

OTHER EVIDENCE-BASED TEACHING STRATEGIES:

  • Post a weekly wellness announcement as a component of online course resources.
  • Begin class with deep breathing, an opportunity to express gratitude, a meditation or an inspirational video.
  • Verbalize positive motivational messaging as a component of teaching. Reframe challenges and difficult assignments as opportunities for learning.
  • Support collaborative problem-based learning to challenge beliefs and expand perspectives.
  • Use guided imagery, progressive relaxation, deep breathing, and/or mindfulness prior to exam reviews, as test-taking strategy, and/or to prepare for (or end) class/the clinical day.
  • Identify powerful emotions related to course/clinical challenges and debrief with students.
  • Celebrate student milestones!

Meditations & Mental Relaxation Resources

 

 

Consider adding this TED TALK to your course, and discussing with students!
Kelly McGonigal (2013; 14 minutes):TEDGlobal 2013 how_to_make_stress_your_friend

Mental Health Resources