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Today was a day that weighed heavy on many of us. The recent election results have brought out strong emotions: fear, sadness, confusion; especially among young people who are learning to make sense of the world around them. But it’s days like these when our commitment to proactive wellbeing is most important. Teaching young girls healthy ways to manage their emotions gives them tools they can carry into any moment, no matter how tough.
In our lesson today, we focused on the importance of actively caring for our mental health. We began with a mindfulness practice to help us all settle in. Then, in our opening circle, each girl had a chance to share how she was feeling. I heard a mix of emotions, from worry to sadness to simply feeling lost. Creating this space was important - it allowed the girls to be honest about what was weighing on them and, importantly, to feel supported by each other.
For some of the girls, this day carried an even deeper level of worry. A few expressed concerns about family members and fears around deportation, a heartbreaking reality that brings a layer of anxiety many young people are grappling with today. They shared the weight of wondering what might happen to their families and feeling helpless in the face of larger political forces. These conversations were heavy but necessary, providing a reminder of why supporting the wellbeing of these young girls is so vital.
One of the key ideas we explored was the importance of not letting stress build up inside us. We used a simple demonstration to help illustrate this. By doing a fizzy rocket demo, we showed how stress, if unaddressed, can start to build pressure until it has nowhere to go but out.
Afterward, each student created her own stress ball using a balloon and rice. This small, tactile project gave everyone a way to connect with their feelings while building a tool they could use later. As they filled their balloons, we talked about the importance of movement, art, and spending time outside to help manage feelings. Moving our bodies, creating something with our hands, or even just stepping outside for fresh air can all be simple but powerful ways to release stress and find calm.
As we wrapped up, I reminded the girls that by taking time to care for themselves, they’re learning to handle the ups and downs that come with growing up. Our girls are experiencing a world with complexities and challenges, and it’s essential that they have these skills early on.
In the end, today’s lesson was a small but important step in helping these girls feel equipped to face the uncertainties in their lives. Giving them tools to manage their stress, especially during difficult times, helps them build the mindset they need, not just for today, but for the future.
