The ELM - The Emotional Literacy Movement

Looking forward to presenting tomorrow on the Importance of Nature & Nature-Based Recreation on Health & Well-Being!
Thanks for having me, Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals!

Recreation Professionals Week - Saskatchewan Association of Recreational Professionals June 17-23 was slated Recreation Professionals Week in Saskatchewan for the seventh consecutive year! We’re extending the celebrations throughout June with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and the Saskatchewan […]

Emotional stress, when left unaddressed, can have a significant impact on your physical health, intimate relationships, ability to feel safe in the world, the capability to learn new things, make informed decisions, problem solve, and impact our overall well-being

Here are five potential impacts of emotional stress:

1. Physical symptoms: Emotional stress can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, and muscle tension. Prolonged stress can also weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to illnesses.

2. Mental health issues: Chronic emotional stress can contribute to the development of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. It can also exacerbate existing conditions.

3. Sleep problems: Stress can interfere with a person's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to fatigue and exhaustion.

4. Relationship problems: Emotional stress can strain relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners. It can also make it difficult for a person to form new relationships.

5. Impaired cognitive function: Prolonged emotional stress can impair a person's ability to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. This can affect academic or work performance, as well as daily life tasks.

The Emotional Literacy Movement is a community where parents, educators, and youth can learn how to regulate their nervous systems and connect with their emotions, empowering them with the tools they need to understand their own emotions and attune with others' emotions.

Join our 6 week Emotional Literacy Masterclass Series beginning April 4th!

Visit www.emotionalliteracymovement.com/masterclass

Ever wonder why it's hard to connect with others when you're feeling stressed or anxious?

Our body's natural response to perceived danger or threat can trigger a cascade of physical reactions that shut down our ability to connect and engage with others.

This is why it's so important to prioritize self-regulation and find ways to calm our nervous system, so that we can better connect and build relationships with those around us.

Join me in taking small steps today towards self-regulation and finding ways to calm our nervous system. Together, let's build deeper connections and healthier relationships with those around us.

Our 6-week Emotional Literacy Masterclass Series begins April 4th!
visit: www.emotionalliteracymovement.com/masterclass to register today.

Overwhelmed and feeling helpless to support your Disconnected Students?

Many teachers struggle to connect with their students who zone out and experience disconnection from those around them

Polyvagal Theory teaches us that we are constantly scanning for cues of safety and threat in our environment below our conscious awareness.

This process is called neuroception. A neuroception of safety allows students to feel at ease, ready to learn, and able to effectively connect with others. A neuroception of threat (either real or perceived) will trigger a mobilization response, or alternatively, an immobilization response in the form of disconnection.

By creating a welcoming environment that helps students feel safe and secure, teachers can improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

Take these steps to improve the neuroception of safety in your classroom:

-Check in with yourself before starting the day. If you feel stressed and tense, your students will register this as a cue of threat. Starting the day with a group check-in, physical activity, and mindfulness exercise can help get everyone on the same page.

-How does your classroom feel? Is it cozy? Are there plants? Comfortable places to cozy up with a book? Consider adding torch lighting instead of using the overhead fluorescents and use areas rugs, pillows, and blankets to provide a cozy feel and place for students to gather.

-Play soft instrumental music during work times and when students first enter the classroom. Set the stage for relaxation and learning to occur.

To learn more about how to nurture a neuroception of safety in your life and those of your students, join us for our next 6-week Emotional Literacy Masterclass series beginning April 4th. Receive a certificate for 12-hours of Professional Development upon completion.

visit: www.emotionalliteracymovement.com/masterclass for details and registration.

Teachers, have you ever had a student who seemed to be in a constant state of stress or anxiety?

Perhaps they struggled to focus in class, had trouble sleeping or seemed easily agitated.

As educators, it can be challenging to know how to support students who are experiencing these symptoms of stress or trauma.

But did you know that Polyvagal Theory can provide us with a deeper understanding of how our nervous system responds to stress and trauma?

This theory proposes that we have a three-part nervous system, each responsible for a different response to stress or feelings of safety.

Imagine one of your students is struggling to make friends and feels isolated and alone. When their ventral vagus nerve is activated, they feel safe and connected to others, which can help them form positive social connections with their peers.

However, if they are experiencing bullying or facing a difficult situation, their sympathetic nervous system may be triggered, causing them to feel anxious, fearful or defensive.

Alternatively, if they feel overwhelmed or powerless in a situation, their dorsal vagus nerve may be activated, causing them to freeze or shut down.

By understanding the different responses our nervous system has to stress, we can create a safe and positive learning environment that supports every student's needs. So let's dive deeper into Polyvagal theory and learn how we can help our students feel more safe, secure, and connected.

Join us for our 6-Week Emotional Literacy Masterclass Series beginning April 4th and receive a certificate for 12-hours of professional development.

See all the details and register today at www.emotionalliteracymovement.com/masterclass

Did you know that sleep plays a vital role in emotional regulation and mental health?

Here are some key points to consider:

-Sleep deprivation can lead to increased emotional reactivity and decreased ability to regulate emotions.
-Lack of sleep can impair cognitive functioning, leading to difficulties with decision-making, problem-solving, and memory.
-Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
-Sleep allows us to integrate the events of our day and rest and recuperate so that we can function optimally.

Prioritizing sleep is a critical component of maintaining optimal mental health and emotional well-being.

So, what can you do to ensure you're getting enough quality sleep?

Here are a few tips:

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
-Avoid screens 2 hours before bed
-Create a sleep-conducive environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
-Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime (Chocolate too!)
-Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing

Let's start by committing to one small change to improve our sleep habits tonight.

I’m going to set the screens aside for the evening. What's yours?