Hot Springs School District

As we continue this months theme of Suicide Prevention and Awareness. It is important that we know the warning signs and facts surounding Suicide. This can be a difficult topic for parents to think about let alone talk with their children about, however it is one that is important. According to the CDC, In 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.³

The CDC lists Suicide among the top ten of deaths in the state of South Dakota, with that being said please read over the warning signs and facts regarding Suicide.

Resources:

South Dakota (cdc.gov)

Facts About Suicide | Suicide | CDC

Attached is the link to September 2023 Counselor Newsletter.

https://www.smore.com/qxga7

Welcome Back Bison!!

Back to School Tips

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx

Stay organized with a school calendar.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
Plan nutritious and delicious school lunches.
Beat the rush with early back-to-school shopping.
Explore and familiarize by taking a school tour.

10 Mindfulness tips for everyday

10 Mintue Mindfulness Video

https://youtu.be/ZToicYcHIOU?feature=shared

Breathe when you’re still in bed: Bring awareness to your breath and body when you wake up in the morning, take a few conscious breaths, and practice half-smiling before getting out of bed.
Take 10 mindful breaths a few times a day: Bring awareness to your breathing at various times of the day. Choose to take a few conscious breaths, following the breath in and out. Count 10 full breaths and then start again.
Use the natural rhythms of the day as triggers to practice. Return your attention to the present moment: when the phone rings, pass through doorways, stop at red lights, when a sound comes into your awareness. Use these moments to breathe, experience your bodily sensations, and feel your feet on the ground.
Bring awareness to your communication patterns: talking, listening, and periods of silence; notice your states of mind during these activities. Especially, notice the silence and the sounds in between the silence.
While sitting at your desk, computer, etc., pay attention to your bodily sensations and consciously attempt to relax and rid yourself of excess tension. Remember to be present to whatever you are working on and focus your attention on your breath.
At lunch, change your environment. If you take your lunch, or work at home, go to another room. Try eating at different times and being aware of the sensations of hunger or satiation.
Close your door (if you have one) and take some time to relax consciously. Close your eyes and breathe, counting your breaths and letting go of the day behind you and ahead.
At the end of the workday, try retracing the day’s activities. Acknowledge and congratulate yourself for what you’ve accomplished, and then make a list for tomorrow. You’ve done enough for today!
When you get home, create an unwinding routine. Change out of your work clothes, and say hello to each of your family members, the people you live with, your pets, plants, even your couch. Take a moment to look and take five to 10 minutes to be quiet and still. Wash your hands as if you are starting a new phase of your life. If you live alone, feel what it is like to enter the quietness of your environment.
Before falling asleep at night, bring awareness to your breathing and your body sensations for at least five full breaths, all the way in and out. These deep breaths will activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help you to rest.