Health and Wellness
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Taking Care of Your Health
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Stopping the COVID-19 pandemic is going to take all our tools.
If we use all the tools we have, we stand the best chance of keeping our families, communities, schools, and workplaces safe and healthy.Make sure to check out the CDC website for the latest updates on how to keep yourself and your community safe.
Key Links for Information About the COVID-19 Vaccines:
- Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine (CDC webpage)
- Myths & Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC webpage)
- Print Resource: Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccines (available in multiple languages)
It is important that we continue to take simple steps to take care of our bodies and our emotions during this spring and summer.
We also need to keep doing all the regular things we know keep us happy and healthy, like eating nutritious food, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and talking with friends and family. Click on the buttons below for more ideas and resources. Know where to get mental health and crisis support if you or your family need it. Check out the resources available to all BPS students, families, and community members.
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Eat nutritious foods
- Pick up Free Breakfast and Lunch Meals from BPS and other community organizations.
- Find an emergency food site near you through Greater Boston Food Bank.
- Learn more about the Kid’s Healthy Eating Plate (Coloring Page) and important nutrients for your immune system.
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Be physically active
- Use free online physical activity lessons in your home.
- Take a walk or ride your bike in your neighborhood or a nearby park.
- Take a look at the BPS Moves Together program to get moving in different ways!
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Get plenty of sleep
- About 8-10 hours every night is recommended for young people.
- Create a ritual of calming, no-screen activities that prepares your mind and body for sleep
- Sleep Meditations (Calm)
- Sleep Stories (Calm)
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Take a mindful moment
- Second Step has free SEL activities and mindfulness resources for children and families to use during this time
- Headspace is offering free support during this crisis. Headspace provides guided mindfulness activities, including sleep and movement exercises.
- Calm has gathered mindfulness meditations, exercises, and media.
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Maintain your friendships
We are all social creatures and it is important that we stay connected even while staying home and keeping a distance from other people.
- Talk with people you trust about any concerns and how you are feeling
- Reach out to your school teacher or other school staff if you need help with homework or just to check-in
- Call a friend, video chat with family, or host a virtual game of charades (or other game)
- Send cards and letters, artwork and drawings, or stories through the mail to friends and family
Join the City of Boston’s CopeCode Club and share on social media (middle and high school students)
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Take a screen break
It’s also important to remember to take breaks from our screens (computers, tablets, phones, TVs, etc). Try some of these activities:
- Work on a puzzle and play board games
- Color, draw or work on other art projects
- Journal about your day or write a story
- Read a book or magazine
- Cook meals together
- Sing, listen to or play music, dance
- Go outside for a walk