Get clear for the year with a Winning Wellness Game Plan and set up a year that is less stressful.

Words have power. The thoughts that we think become the words that we speak, and those words become our actions.

Our words are like toothpaste; once they come out, they can’t be put back in. Whether they are positive or negative, they stick.

Changing the language from a traditional “New Year’s Resolution” (meaning there’s a problem and you are not a problem) to setting a Winning Wellness Game plan can make a big difference in achieving your goals this year. Using Book Creator for your Game plan will make your intentions a reality!

Affirmations

The first step is focusing on affirmations. Affirmations are positive words and phrases to inspire and motivate you. When you start to doubt yourself, repeating the affirmation gets you back on track.

The brain is the most powerful organ in the body. Training your brain to repeat affirmations such as, “I am strong”, “I am brave”, “I am smart” or “I am kind” helps you to stay focused.It may be hard to think of an affirmation. Practicing mindful moments can help the mind get clear.

Lebron James, a basketball legend practices meditation as part of his athletic training routine. He teamed up with the Calm™ App and recorded guided meditations called, “Train Your Mind” and “Pre-Game Prep” for their “30 Days for School” program.

James mentions he listens to Calm™’s “Soundscapes: Rain on Leaves” as part of his meditation practice. On Calm Day 12, they provide this meditation for students. Listening to these meditations and self reflecting on them can be helpful in creating a personal affirmation of your own.

An arrangement of blue sticky notes on a beige wall, each featuring handwritten affirmations such as 'Love Yourself,' 'Believe & Achieve,' 'You Can Do It,' and 'Rest is Productive.' The notes radiate positivity and encouragement, promoting self-care and motivation.

Goal setting

What goals do you want to achieve this year? What is holding you back? Why do you show up to school each day? It is so important to know your WHY!

Having a positive mindset affects our grindset! Attitude is the one thing you have control over each day. When you are aware of your goals this can help shift your attitude so you are ready to tackle any obstacles that come your way.

Once again, we can take inspiration from Lebron James. He wrote a children’s book called, “I Promise”. It’s a wonderful picture book that can motivate any age with goal setting. At the end of the book, Lebron has a page that says, “I Promise.”

Using Book Creator, you can record yourself as an audio or video recording of the promise. Hearing yourself read the words can create a positive attitude. You can also read and write your own inspirational poem or short story and record them as you create your Game Plan.

After you get clear on your goals, write them down. You can also use the audio/video feature to share your goals. Once you have them written down, you hold yourself accountable. Think of your goals like planting seeds. They take time to grow. They need all of the elements from the sun, rain, and dirt to grow! Nourish to flourish. This is where the next step of self-care comes in!

Students can note their goals using one of the many Book Creator page templates you can find by seaching "Goals"

Self care tools

When your brain can rest, you can do your best! Taking time to practice self-care is very important for a successful game plan.

Movement is a great tool for self-care. In the Winning Wellness Game Plan template, students will find short clips of my EdPuzzle videos that promote healthy brain function. Practicing the bear crawls and peaceful pinwheel movements that cross the midline of the brain (bringing the left arm to the right leg and the left arm to the right leg) will help students with their mental focus.

After watching and practicing the movement videos, students can design their own. They can also use digital color to calm themselves with the virtual art tools. Coloring to Calm is a way to soothe the nervous system and enhance creativity. Teachers are also able to download the PDF for students to color in a tangible way.

Self care is what brings joy. It can be something simple as listening to your favorite song, taking a walk in nature, playing video games or practicing mindfulness.
Writing down your self care tool helps to support you when you encounter challenges or get discouraged. Having a plan is helpful for a healthy self awareness and self management skills.

Winning wellness game plan

As the Long Branch Public Schools District Wellness Coach, I have used this “Winning Wellness Game Plan” as a template for staff and students.

I was inspired by Jay Wright, legendary former head coach of Villanova’s basketball team who coached his team to become the 2016 & 2018 National Champions in college basketball. I attended a conference where he was the keynote speaker, and he spoke of his coaching beliefs on attitude and staying humble yet hungry. With my 15 years of teaching and over 2000 hours of wellness training, I decided to create a “Winning Wellness Game Plan” to make this mindset accessible to students and teachers.

I’ve used the above Book Creator template for staff professional development presentations and workshops. I host a district-wide “Weekly Wellness Wednesday Zoom” show every Wednesday at 8 am, where over 100 classes tune in.

Sharing the remix-able Book Creator template makes it easy for teachers to share with their students. I have the teachers share their published Book Creator link on a Wakelet. It’s a great platform to showcase all of the Book Creator links.

By sharing their Wellness Game Plans on screens, students are held accountable for their goals, as they are no longer just thoughts in their minds.

Check out Nicole's book below to see the template in action and get inspired!

The Book Creator template makes the Winning Wellness Game Plan an interactive experience. It fosters creativity, accessibility and inclusivity for achieving your goals.

No matter your age, the Winning Wellness Game Plan will support your intentions to be your best self. When you show up everyday with this game plan, you work together with your class as one team.

Creating a culture of community and support with wellness as the foundation sets you up for success. Everyone scores when you have a winning mindset.

Taking the time to create an affirmation, set goals, and write down self care tools supports a healthy well being. By focusing on these 3 key aspects, students can reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.