Wellness Week 2024
The theme for Wellness Week 2024 is Mental Health and the Way of Jesus.
Below are some of the highlights and lunchtime activities.
Monday: Introduction
The start of the school year is a great time to develop good routines. Developing good habits in Academics and Sports will lead to success in the Classroom and on the field or court. The start of the school year is also a good time to think about good emotional habits and routines as well. This week the Counseling Department will be highlighting a few ways we can maintain our emotional and mental health. In fact we will be looking to Jesus as our guide.
Lunchtime Activity: Meditative Music in room 203
Tuesday: Today we highlight emotional well-being
Good Mental and emotional health may depend on expressing our emotions appropriately. God created us to have emotions. The fully human Jesus shows us how to do this properly. Jesus loved. He loved his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Jesus had compassion toward those in need. Jesus felt joy at spreading the gospel and knowing what would be accomplished by his death and resurrection. But Jesus also felt “negative” emotions. He expressed sorrow and openly wept at the death of Lazarus. He suffered anguish over his impending crucifixion. He was annoyed at his disciples, showed anger toward stubborn religious leaders and even turned the tables over on the money changers in the Temple.
Jesus didn’t bottle up his emotions. Trying to stop your emotions can cause harmful stress. Jesus also didn’t lash out with his emotions. Instead, Jesus expressed each emotion appropriately.
Do you have trouble managing your emotions? It’s OK to feel different emotions. However, if you feel sad or angry all the time, you might want to talk to your parents or one of the personal counselors from CPLA. Personal counselors are here to help you work through your emotions and feel them appropriately.
Tuesday Lunchtime Activity:
Today the Counseling Department is sponsoring Meditative Art Therapy outside the 200s and 300s classrooms at lunch. Find the artist in you! Come to the 200s and 300s at lunch today!
Wednesday: Today we highlight Friendship.
Friends are important. Jesus had friends. He had at least twelve really close friends. Having friends is really important to positive mental health. Friends are who love, support, and comfort us. Jesus counted on his friends at his most difficult times.
God created us to flourish in a community. God said it is not good that we be alone. When we have friends we feel a sense of belonging, purpose, self-confidence, and self-worth. Friends also help decrease stress and anxiety.
Making friends shouldn’t be hard, but sometimes it is. Cathedral High School has lots of opportunities to make friends. Joining a sport or a club is a great way to meet people and make friends. Did you miss club signup day? It’s not too late to join a club. Volunteering with Lasallian Youth is another perfect opportunity to meet people.
It does take time, but students usually find their “tribe” after the first few weeks of school. Are you struggling to meet people and make friends? Do you get nervous around new people and need some advice? The Counseling Department is here to help.
And Phantoms….look for the lonely. Invite someone new to eat lunch with you. Say hello and talk about the game or a test with someone who is eating by himself. There is always room for one more.
Thursday: Today we highlight solitude and rest.
Jesus made solitude a priority in order to bring reward, perspective, and recovery to His life. Solitude is a healing place where God can reach us and help us all the more because we’re alone with God. Finding the time to remove yourself from the busyness of the day just to be alone with your thoughts can have a huge impact on your life.
As the school year progresses, our work load continues to increase and it is important to remember the importance of taking the time to rest. Jesus often took the time to rest and pray in his early ministry and it’s important that you do the same. Rest can reduce stress, give you the opportunity to be more active, and boost your immune system.
Do you ever find yourself restless or seeking solitude? It’s OK to give your mind, body, and spirit a break. Friends, trusted adults, counselors from CPLA, and personal counselors are always available to support you when you need it.
Thursday Lunchtime Activity
Looking for some solitude? Why not try Meditation! The Counseling Department will be sponsoring a Meditation Workshop today in room 201 at lunch. Find out more about this incredible way to recharge and find true rest come to room 201 today at lunch!
Friday: Today we highlight forgiveness
Forgiveness to boost our mental health? Science says yes! Jesus shows us how.
Jesus asks his followers to be people of forgiveness. In Luke 17 we read, “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent [I am sorry],' you must forgive them.” Jesus is abundantly clear: we cannot withhold forgiveness. It is true that our actions have consequences. But forgiveness is a matter of the heart.
Forgiveness is not just about saying the words. It’s an active process where you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings whether the person deserves forgiveness or not. And As you release the anger, resentment and hostility, you begin to feel empathy, compassion and even affection for the person who wronged you. Through forgiveness we can become more like Christ.
Are you resentful or feeling spite towards someone who wronged you? Talk to a trusted adult or a friend to help you find peace and help you on your journey to forgiveness. You can also reach out to one of the personal counselors from CPLA. Personal counselors are here to help you navigate your feelings.