MINDYOUR5
For schools
MINDYOUR5 is a wellbeing concept that is simple to embed in schools. Comprising of 5 categories, it relies on the same principle as 5 fruit and veg a day to keep mentally healthy.
MINDYOUR5 proposes that you practice including one thing from each category of five daily to keep your mind healthy.
Copyright Dr N Krause www.mindyour5.co.uk
MINDYOUR5 categories
The five categories are outlined below and can also be embedded in the curriculum. Developed by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, more information on school programmes can be obtained from www.mindyour5.co.uk.
Healthy Practice
Emphasises the importance of looking after your physical health. Learning about and discussing the importance of sleep, how regular eating can help with focus and attention, keeping hydrated and its effect on the brain as well as alcohol and its effect on the brain are all useful topics to discuss.
Activity
A minimum of half an hour a day of physical activity is recommended. This is provided in most schools. However, some schools have also adopted, in addition to the regular programme of activity, encouraging a one-mile walk around the playground every morning, extra activities at school such as dance or learning mindfulness.
Positive Thinking
Many schools have been adopting Carole Dweck’s Growth Mindset tips. It is helpful for teachers to practice implementing such feedback in school and on a day to day basis.
Positive Emotions
Emotional and social literacy is embedded in the school curriculum. Regular discussion on different emotions, how they are expressed and ongoing feedback that’s helpful is all very useful at school.
Your Connections
Many friendships start at school. Providing opportunities to learn social skills, feedback on unhealthy interpersonal skills, enabling opportunities to develop new social contacts all contribute to positive mental health.
