In a world that often places too much emphasis on exam results and productivity over process and development, the importance of human connection can easily be overlooked. Countless research studies point to the role of wellbeing in helping students feel happy, healthy and connected. 

We are wired to connect. The wellbeing of our students, both mental and physical, thrives when they feel connected. We recommend three strategies to students that will help them to harness the power of connection. 

Strategy One: Connect with Yourself

It may sound like a cliché but one of the most important things that students, as well as their parents/guardians and teachers, can do is to be kind to themselves during times of stress, such as around exams. This starts with an intention to make time and be present, in the moment. Here are a few things they can try:

• Practice a breathing/relaxation technique. Techniques like square breathing or meditation have been found to decrease anxiety, help with focus and improve sleep patterns.
• Build in ‘mise time’ into the day. Help students to choose an activity they love and give them the time and space to engage in it. Mise (or me) time will also help students to become more aware of maintaining a positive mindset. It is important to remember that learning takes effort and a willingness to fail.
• Listen to music. Music has the ability to change our state of mind. It can have a calming effect.
• Ditch the phone. During exam preparation, and especially during periods of revision, students should navigate away from small-scale stressors.  Switching off the mobile phone for at least one hour after school will help.

Strategy Two: Connect with Nature

There is now a mountain of research (pun intended!) which identifies the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits to be gained from spending time in/with nature. In fact, spending just 30 minutes per day in a green outdoor space can reap rewards. 

We’ve identified five reasons why students should definitely get down with nature:

1. Improved energy and mood levels. 

Exposure to nature is shown to be conducive to higher self-esteem, better moods and increased energy levels. Getting out of the house and away from those electronic devices can do wonders for clearing the head and feeling more in control.  

• Stocking up on Vitamin D. 

Sunlight generates vitamin D essential to healthy bones. In the spring and summer months this can be achieved by being outside for as little as 15 minutes four times weekly. Use sun protection as recommended. 

• Decrease in anxiety levels. 

Studies have shown that being outside can lead to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body.  

• Improving memory and concentration. 

Nature is also thought to have an attention-improving effect. A study by the University of Michigan found that spending time outside boosted performance on an attention and memory task by 16 per cent. 

• Improving physical health through outdoor exercise. 

You don’t have to be outside to engage in exercise, but we know that exercising in the presence of nature has an added benefit.

Strategy Three: Connect with Others

In the end, wellbeing isn’t just a solo journey. It’s deeply intertwined with how we relate to others. And connecting with others is one of the most natural human endeavours. We are social creatures and we need each other to feel supported, valued and loved. Connecting with someone, even for a short space of time, can lift our spirits. This connection doesn’t have to be deep and meaningful: it could be a five-minute chat with someone on the walk home from school or sharing a joke and a laugh with a schoolfriend.

Good quality friendships offer a range of mental health benefits. Because friendship groups form such an important part of who students are, we always draw their attention to who is in their peer or friendship group. 

Do friends lift them up, praise them and reinforce the positive feelings they have about themselves?  Are they also positive, focused and motivated?  Are they heading in the same direction? Or do they have negative effects; do they belittle or even bully others? If that’s the case, then we encourage students to re-evaluate friendships. 

“Surround yourself with the people you want to be like, because you will be like the people you surround yourself with”

Friends aren’t the only important people in students’ lives with whom they can connect. Having a family member or at least one other trusted adult to talk to (maybe a coach, close neighbour, teacher) is also important for wellbeing.

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