4 ways to feel good this year...

Happy New Year to our amazing teachers and teaching assistants! Let’s start the year off with some simple ways to boost our spirits this January. Known for being one of the toughest months, January can feel like a challenge after the excitement of the holidays. But we’ve got some tips to help you feel your best as the new term begins!

Get Creative
Engaging in creative activities is a great way to lift your mood and spark yourimagination. Whether you try small crafts or a bigger project (depending onyour time), your creations can be enjoyed at home, gifted to a friend, or evendisplayed in the classroom for your students to see. The beauty of creativityis that there’s no need to be a skilled artist - any craft is a great craft! From paper origami and self-portraits to mixed-media landscapes, the optionsare endless.

Social Connection
A simple hug, a friendly chat, or inviting someone to grab a coffee after work are all easy ways to connect and improve your mood. Just 20 seconds of hugging has been shown to lower stress, much like a bit of exercise. Even a brief conversation can have a huge impact on how you feel, as human connection is so essential. So, take five minutes to connect with a friend and give your mood a boost!

Move
Move in any way you enjoy - whether that’s a walk, jog, dance, or even lifting a pencil case at your desk! Movement, no matter how small, can elevate your mood by getting your blood flowing and refocusing your mind. Just 20–30 minutes of movement or a quick gym session can make you feel worlds better. Improving your mood positively impacts your students and colleagues, too!

Let It Out
Sometimes, a good cry is just what you need to relieve everyday stresses. Take five minutes to yourself, breathe deeply, and let it all out. Crying is a natural, therapeutic way to release emotions, and there’s absolutely no shame in it - no matter your age or situation.

Taking care of yourself allows you to care more effectively for others. Make time for what brings you joy, and let’s kick off 2025 with extra positivity for both you and your students!

We want to hear your thoughts.

What do you do torelieve the stress of everyday life? Are these important conversations hadwithin the classroom?

Let us know using the hashtag #keepnews on all socialplatforms!