Embracing Self-Love: A Journey to "Love Your Mind"

Hello CLHS students & families,

April can be a weird mix of energy and overwhelm—sunshine one day, snow the next, and a to-do list that seems to grow by the minute. In the middle of it all, it's easy to forget to check in with ourselves. That’s why this month, we’re focusing on something really important: loving your mind.

As your school counsellors, we want to remind you that your thoughts, emotions, and inner world matter. You spend every second of your life inside your own mind—so why not make it a kind and supportive place to be? Learning to love your mind is one of the most powerful things you can do, not just for your mental health, but for your confidence, relationships, and future.

Let’s take some time this month to understand what it means to truly care for our minds, and discover how small changes can make a big difference.

Embracing Self-Love: A Journey to "Love Your Mind"

Taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. The theme “Love Your Mind” encourages students to focus on building a healthy relationship with their thoughts, emotions, and self-worth. As the school year moves into its final stretch, stress and pressure can increase. This is a great time to pause and check in with your mental well-being.

What Does It Mean to Love Your Mind?

Loving your mind means treating yourself with kindness and compassion. It means recognizing your worth beyond achievements or external expectations. It’s about understanding your thoughts and emotions without judgment and learning how to support yourself through challenges.

Why Self-Love Matters

Self-love is foundational to good mental health. When you love your mind, you:

• Build resilience to handle stress and setbacks

• Set healthier boundaries in relationships

• Reduce negative self-talk and increase confidence

• Feel more balanced and in control of your emotions

Tips to Help You Love Your Mind

1. Practice Positive Self-Talk
   Be aware of your inner dialogue. Replace harsh criticism with gentle, encouraging language. Treat yourself like you would treat a friend.

2. Make Time for Rest and Recharge
   Mental fatigue is real. Prioritize rest and take breaks when you need them. Sleep, hobbies, and time away from screens all support mental clarity.

3. Be Mindful of Your Emotions
   Pay attention to how you’re feeling without pushing those feelings away. Journaling, art, or talking to someone you trust can help you process emotions.

4. Limit Comparisons
   Everyone’s journey is different. Avoid comparing your path to someone else’s. Focus on your own growth, values, and goals.

5. Ask for Help When You Need It
   Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s talking to a friend, a family member, or a school counselor, support is always available.

6. Engage in Activities That Bring Joy
   Do more of what makes you feel good—music, movement, nature, creative expression, or anything else that lifts your mood.

7. Stay Connected
   Positive relationships can be a powerful buffer against stress. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you.

Student Challenge: Mind Check-In Week

Pick one action each day this week to support your mental wellness. Here are a few ideas:

• Monday: Write down three things you like about yourself

• Tuesday: Go for a walk without your phone and notice your surroundings

• Wednesday: Practice 5 minutes of quiet breathing or guided mindfulness

• Thursday: Do something creative—draw, write, make music

• Friday: Send a kind message to someone who supports you

Reflection Prompt

What’s one thing you can start doing to show more love to your mind this month?

Write it down. Set a reminder. Make it part of your routine.

Want to Learn More?

Check out https://jack.org/resources for student-friendly mental health resources, self-care tips, and ways to support others. Jack.org is a Canadian organization focused on youth mental health and peer support.

Your mind is strong, capable, and completely unique to you. It deserves patience, rest, and kindness—especially on the tough days. If you take anything away from this month’s theme, let it be this: you are not your mistakes, your stress, or your self-doubt. You are a work in progress, and that’s okay.

Be gentle with yourself. Keep growing. And always remember—you are never alone in this journey.

Remember, your mind matters—and you deserve to treat it with care.

Connect with Your Counsellor

Have questions, need guidance, or just want to connect? Our Counsellors are:

Erin MacDonald (A-K)  erin.macdonald@nlsd.ab.ca

Kimberly Turchyn (L-M) kimberly.turchyn@nlsd.ab.ca

Reach out by email or call 780-639-0039.

Check out of Google site at: https://sites.google.com/nlsd.ab.ca/clhs-supports/home for more amazing resources.