Dear Students and Parents,

The current health concerns can induce anxiety in a lot of people. This is a natural response to the unknown. Below are some resources the Guidance Department has put together to help manage this anxiety. Please review and make use of those items that make the most sense for you. Continue to reach out with any questions during this time.

Mental Health, Anxiety, and Stress Management Resources/Information
5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
www.gozen.com
www.calm.com
Mini Meditation
Feeling Anxious Or Worried? Listen To These 8 Podcasts
Coronavirus Anxiety: 4 Ways to Cope with Fear
Help Kids Manage Anxiety around the Coronavirus (3 Expert Videos)
The Tim Ferriss Show – Jack Kornfield — How to Find Peace Amidst COVID-19, How to Cultivate Calm in Chaos (podcast)
https://theconversation.com/study-habits-for-success-tips-for-students-89147
https://theconversation.com/five-tips-to-help-year-12-students-set-better-goals-in-the-final-year-of-school-109954

Apps. to download for relaxation.
1. CALM
2. Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
3. MindShift

Tips for dealing with anxiety and stress:

1. Get at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
2. Practice positive self-talk.
3. List all your good and positive qualities.
4. Write in a daily gratitude journal.
5. Eat a healthy balanced diet (fruits, proteins, vegetables, limit sugars).
6. Talk to a trusted peer, friend, sibling, parent/guardian, or trusted adult.
7. Take deep breaths, count to 10 slowly, breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth.
8. Reminisce about happy times or place, views pictures/videos from those times.
9. Watch your favorite movie/show or listen to your favorite song.
10. Limit excessive or repetitive exposure to the news.
11. Find a quiet spot in your home to take a breather.
12. Practice, “Grounding” exercises which help you can control your surroundings: Look around you, find 5 things you can SEE, 4 things you can TOUCH, 3 things you can HEAR, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can TASTE.
13. Make a list of things you can control vs. cannot control and focus on the control list.
14. Unplug from social media and read a book.
15. Write a poem, story, and/or color/draw.
16. Look for opportunities in life’s challenges.
17. Identify and set goals for yourself.
18. Engage in relaxation techniques.
19. Spend quality time with loved ones.
20. Identify and try out a new hobby.

Tips for online/remote learning:
1. Set a daily alarm to wake up at least 30 minutes before your A period class.
2. Find a designated area that is quiet, free of distractions and comfortable for learning.
3. Keep cell phones and gaming systems out of sight to limit distractions.
4. Have all your tools accessible such as notebooks, textbooks, pen, paper, tablets etc.
5. Try to sit at a table with a comfortable chair.
6. Complete quick stretches in between “switching classes.”
7. Keep checking your emails, PlusPortals, and Google Classroom.
8. If you have questions, email your teacher, counselor, and/or an administrator.
9. Plan your time wisely and follow the same schedule as if you were in school.
10. Communicate with your classmates if you have questions or need additional help.
11. Have good self-discipline to complete your assignments.
12. Stay organized and stick to a schedule as if you were in school.
13. Actively take notes, such as writing down important details.
14. Actively ask questions and participate.
15. Log into your classes on-time and for the whole designated period.

Guidance Services during this time:
Guidance counselors will be reaching out to students via email and encourage students and parents to reach out to them with any questions.

Krista Cernaro – freshmen counselor (and select sophomores) – [email protected]
Beverly Fields – counselor for sophomores and juniors last names A-L – [email protected]
Sandra Sanchez – counselor for sophomores and juniors last names M-Z – [email protected]
Rosalie Cernaro – counselor for seniors/College advisor – [email protected]

Sincerely,

Kerry Conroy
Principal
La Salle Academy
215 East 6th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-475-8940, ext. 214