Amid the fast-paced study and daily life, we encourage children to strive, stay disciplined and pursue excellence. Meanwhile, we also teach them to pause, look inward, accept themselves and be kind to themselves.
To keep a close focus on the mental well-being of teachers and students, and uphold the school philosophy of holistic education and integrated physical & mental development, the Mental Health Center of ASJ Foshan has launched an immersive series of therapeutic activities titled Many Ways to Love Myself – Self-Care Week.
Throughout the week, the whole campus was immersed in a warm and gentle atmosphere. Lessons about emotions, personal growth and self-acceptance unfolded naturally through a variety of interactive experiences.
Use Social-Emotional Learning
to Protect Mental Health
Rooted in positive psychology, the entire "Self-Care Week" integrates psychological theories into daily campus life. Beyond offering temporary emotional relief, the school aims to help students build long-term mental resilience and the capacity for self-growth.
The event combines diverse theories with engaging interactive experiences. Grounded in self-compassion theory, it guides teachers and students to let go of self-criticism. Using tools like emotion cards and happiness check-ins, participants learn to cope gently with negative emotions and foster a steady sense of self-worth. It also popularizes the concept of a growth mindset, encouraging everyone to face setbacks squarely and build resilience. Drawing on the PERMA model of positive psychology, photo galleries and message boards collect beautiful moments from daily life to ease anxiety and boost overall well-being.
Meanwhile, guided by the theory of internal integration, the school launched soothing radio sessions to help everyone tune into their inner selves and empower themselves. A host of immersive activities including sachet DIY, badge making and frisbee games were also arranged. Leveraging embodied cognition, these experiences help relax the body and mind, allowing teachers and students to release stress and achieve emotional healing through fun interactions.
We believe mental health education helps children build a stable inner state. When students learn to treat themselves with kindness, they will gain the poise and strength to embrace the future.
Create a Warm and Healing Campus
During Self-Care Week, the campus was transformed into an open healing space. Instead of preaching about mental health, we created a nurturing atmosphere through thoughtful details. As students walked around, paused and joined in various activities, they gradually felt understood and healed.
The Self-Care Action Calendar offers simple, practical reminders: a deep breath, a word of self-encouragement, or a short break can all be beautiful starts to caring for oneself. The Little Joys in Life photo wall displays snapshots captured by teachers and students. Delicious food, glowing sunsets, precious friendships, scenic views and lovely campus moments blend into a heartwarming scene, inspiring everyone to rediscover the happiness hidden in ordinary days.
The Emotion Flip Board uses lively and straightforward illustrations and texts to help students re-examine negative emotions and mental drain. Soothing poems broadcast over the campus radio bring tranquility and calm amid the hustle and bustle of school life.
These subtle arrangements all convey one consistent educational philosophy: the school cares not only about students' academic performance, but also their overall well-being. A truly warm campus is far more than a place for knowledge acquisition. It should also be a haven where children gain a sense of security, belonging and happiness.
Mutual Healing, Joint Growth
During the event, school counselors and volunteers acted as caring companions. They engaged with students as equals and communicated gently, bridging the gap between teachers and students and fostering a warm teacher-student bond. With eight fun and therapeutic activity stations, everyone relaxed through play and found healing in interaction.
The handcraft zone was always bustling with activity. Students made traditional sachets and custom badges by hand. Immersed in creation, they eased their emotions gradually and gained a wonderful sense of accomplishment upon finishing their works.
The reading corner is stocked with psychology comics and growth-oriented books tailored for teenagers, making psychological knowledge accessible and easy to understand. The frisbee zone serves as a great spot to relieve stress and ease anxiety. Laughter and running naturally help everyone let go of tense emotions.
What is most touching is the crowd lingering by the message wall. Some jotted down their happy moments, some penned words of self-encouragement, while others quietly expressed gratitude to their family, teachers and friends.
Though brief, these words truly reflect how students are learning to express themselves, embrace their feelings, and discover the warmth and beauty in life.
Meanwhile, faculty members kept up the online check-in activity Three Little Happy Things a Day. Teachers took the initiative to document beautiful moments in life to ease occupational burnout. With a positive and energetic mindset, they accompanied students on their journey of growth, achieving mutual healing and progress between teachers and students.
To love yourself is the beginning
of a lifelong romance
For students, this was not merely a relaxing and healing experience, but also a valuable lesson on how to get along with themselves. Many have started to recognize their emotions, reducing self-doubt, anxiety and mental exhaustion. Others have built a stronger sense of self-identity through various activities, learning to cope with pressure and challenges in a more positive and composed manner.
For teachers, the event served as a chance to ease emotions and strengthen bonds. Within the relaxed, heartwarming atmosphere, the teacher-student connection grew closer. A greater sense of belonging and well-being took root across the campus through sincere interactions.
Loving yourelf is more than just a slogan; it is an essential life skill. It means understanding yourself amid pressure and believing in yourself when setbacks strike. No matter where life leads you, it means always retaining the ability to feel joy and embrace life wholeheartedly.
Moving forward, the school will continue to deliver evidence-based mental health education underpinned by humanistic care. We will walk alongside every student in a warm, relaxed and empowering campus environment, encouraging them to take root inward and grow toward the light.
Watch the video:
Learn how to love yourself
with ASJ teachers and students!
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