Is it ever Blue Monday at Kingsley Devon?

Blue Monday. The name itself conjures images of grey skies and a general sense of gloom. While the validity of "Blue Monday" is debated, it's a good reminder to check in with ourselves and prioritise our wellbeing.

Here are a few tips to embrace the joy that surrounds us:

• Embrace the Outdoors:

  • Green Therapy: Enjoy a brisk walk around the school grounds, breathe in the fresh air, and let nature's beauty uplift your spirits. For a longer adventure, consider exploring the local coastline. Yesterday, Mr Whaley enjoyed a walk from Bideford to Appledore with a friend, following the estuary and finishing off with a coffee at the Seagate.
  • Surf's Up! Our surfers get the feeling of freedom being out on the waves - guaranteed to boost your mood.  At lunch time today Mr Dupuy was talking very enthusiastically about the great surf this weekend at Croyde! 
  • Do a Beach Clean! Our Year 8 pupils and Mr Harty were at Westward Ho! beach this morning doing a beach clean. Contributing to positive environmental action can have a significant impact on wellbeing. If you wish to get involved there is a community beach clean planned by Plastic Free North Devon on Saturday 25th January - click here for more information.

• Dive into a Good Book:

  • Lose yourself in a captivating story, perhaps choosing one by Kingsley's very own talented teacher, and published author,  Katherine Macdonald. Ms Macdonald's titles include Kingdom of Thorns: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling (The Fey Collection) and Forest of Dreams and Whispers: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling (The Fae of the Forest).

• Connect with Others:

  • Spend quality time with friends, inside and outside your classroom or office, and sharing laughter at lunch and breaktimes is always good tonic!
  • Remember, you're never alone. If you're struggling, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a member of school staff.

• Prioritise Self-Care:

  • Calm moments: Finding a quiet moment to yourself can be really calming. Perhaps find a peaceful spot and listen to calming music.

• Seek Support:

  • Inside school: Kingsley likely has a range of people who can support, from friends to tutors and our mental health first aiders.
  • Outside school: sometimes life gets overwhelming and it helps to talk.  Alumna Fiona Scott runs Edelweiss Therapy offering wellbeing and counselling services, locally in Bideford and online.

Let's use Blue Monday as an opportunity to extend kindness and compassion to ourselves and others. Reach out to a friend, offer a helping hand, or simply offer a listening ear. Remember, we are all interconnected, and acts of kindness can have a wonderful ripple effect.

Here's to Terrific Tuesday tomorrow!