It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Those iconic words by Charles Dickens describe many scary moments in human history - and the COVID 19 pandemic certainly qualifies.

Finding ways to grow

While many people are distraught by the change - many others are finding ways to thrive, to grow, and to be ahead of the pack when the pandemic is resolved. Teachers and parents can benefit themselves and students by finding growth opportunities.

Influence

Your adult teams have a strong influence on how students feel, engage, and how they will continue their lives. Student's emotions rise and fall with their teacher's attitudes.

Three tools

Here are three simple and science backed tools which adults can use to help themselves and their students.

• Do more self care. Taking walks, getting to nature, naps, and bubble baths are easy ways to improve our outlooks on life. Smile and wave at passing strangers and get as much exercise as possible. These are all brain chemistry boosting activities that help improve our moods - and how we communicate with others.

• Be proactively curious about the upsides of Lockdown. For example, improved air quality, reduced traffic, learning new technology, and expanded personal networks. Families are taking road trips without missing school and work, companies are dramatically expanding their services, and we are learning to be resilient. Learning is another brain booster thanks to neuroplasticity.

• Help other people. We are all busy, working long hours, and feeling time pressure AND we a few small moments of helping give your great brain chemistry rewards. Help someone at the grocery store, advise a stranger on your industry (even teaching can be mysterious), ask a neighbor for a recipe (they will be delighted at the opportunity).

These are three simple tools anyone can use. They are available every day, can be spontaneous, and have excellent mental ROI.

Try gratitude

This is a bonus tool.

I'm grateful every day that I can look at an unruly hedge in my back yard, that my family is healthy, and that technology connects us with friends around the world.

I'm grateful that my teen sons are learning new skills, that we can support their mental resilience, and that they can use skills to help their friends.

We hope you and your students are doing well.

The HAERT Team