Good morning, Prep School family,
Firstly, I would like to wish everyone who is celebrating Chinese New Year today a very happy new year and I wish you a year filled with happiness, health and prosperity. I hope you all enjoy the celebrations and the time with your families.
So, did you all have a lovely weekend? I hope you managed to have lots of fun but also relax and enjoy some downtime. It is so important to let your body and mind rest for a little while. We are all so busy that sometimes we find taking a break is hard but it is scientifically proven to improve our well-being and our mental fitness. A break can be really helpful to refocus your attention if you experience day dreaming, brain fog or are feeling unfocused. Taking a moment alone to recharge gives you time to reflect on yourself and understand why you are feeling the way you are. This short pause can actually help reboot your brain to be more tuned in. It can recalibrate our attention and focus and can improve our mood. We so often feel guilty about having a break or a rest. I know that I struggle to just stop and breathe at times. I always feel I should be doing something. I am sure many of you feel the same way. A break can be used to just stop, to think, to reflect, to get outside, to mediate, to get a cup of tea or just change what you are doing for a short time. I am very guilty of saying to myself, “You can have a break after you have done this. . . ”. I then sit there for another hour trying to focus on what I am supposed to be doing. What I need to say to myself is “Stop, have a break, refocus and come back to what you are doing”. This will make me feel better but will also help me complete my task more quickly. I am also very good at giving this advice. . . however, I need to learn to take it myself! How many of you can relate to this?
I found this short story to share with you with the exact same theme!
“Nothing’s working,” said Rabbit.
“Have you tried unplugging?” asked Bear?
“I don’t plug in anywhere,” said Rabbit.
“Yes you do,” said Bear. “You’re plugged into the world around you.”
“Oh,” said Rabbit giving this some thought. “How do I unplug then?”
“Close your eyes, let your muscles relax and listen only to the sound of you breathing in and out,” said Bear.
“After a while, when you are ready, plug yourself back in and try again.”
What great advice – we should all listen to the Bear.
Quote of the week: “To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.” – Anon
Well-being tasks for this week: These tasks for are for a Friendly February. This month let’s focus on reaching out to connect with others and doing our best to be a good friend. Our acts of kindness and connection ripple out and impact so many more people than we realise – and they also boost our own happy hormones too! In stressful times people around us may be feeling the strain, so let’s try to keep calm, take time to listen and show compassion.
Tuesday 1 February – send a message to someone to let them know you are thinking of them
Wednesday 2 February – Ask a friend how they are feeling
Thursday 3 February – Do an act of kindness that helps someone else
Friday 4 February – Organise a tea break with a colleague/friend and have a 10-minute catch up
Saturday 5 February – Say “Hello” to a neighbour
Sunday 6 February – Get back in touch with someone you have not spoken to in a while
Monday 7 February – Show an active interest in others around you
Jokes of the week:
Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honey combs!
What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator!
Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon? Because she will let it go!
Why did the man run around his bed? Because he was trying to catch up on his sleep!
And a special one for the parents – this had me in stiches for days and I am giggling whilst I type. . .
My friend Joe recently went on the Dolly Parton diet. It really made Joe lean, Joe lean, Joe lean, Joe lean!
Sleeps til Santa: 326
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to catching up with old friends on Friday night
- I am looking forward to starting a new book
- I am looking forward to the chilli Mr Bennett has cooked for this evening’s meal
- I am grateful for all of the people I work with – what a team
- I am grateful for my bed!
Have a super week – grab every opportunity life throws at you,
Much love,
Mrs Bennett
