100 Ways To Kick Start Your Day In A Positive Way: A Guide For Educators Parents and Students

This is a collaborative blogpost by Susan Spellman Cann and I along with a few ideas from friends.  As mental health educators we believe that a focus on our mental health and well being is foundational to all education. It is impossible to focus on academics if students are not feeling secure. We believe it’s important to intentionally embed a focus on well being into every lesson with young people. All of us need to use positive self talk and coping strategies to feel better . We can all do one thing a day that will help us cope during this unprecedented time.

Hoping some of these tips help you start the day as an educator. You can post a tip for the day using Canva or just text your student the tip to start their day. As an educator I am sure you can find many creative ways to use this as you move online. 

1. Just for today I will start and end my day in a positive way.
2. Just for today I will remember that I am ok and all will be well with the world.
3. Just for today I will be proud that I stayed home and did my part to help.
4. Just for today I will be grateful for all the front line workers that are helping us.
5. Just for today I will celebrate our shared humanity.
6. Just for today I will send some positive intentions out into the universe. 
7. Just for today I will think of ways to make the world a better place.
8. Just for today I will learn to say I love you in as many languages as I can think of. 
9. Just for today I will post a positive message in my window and or use sidewalk chalk to write a message for others in my neighbourhood to see.
10.  Just for today I will connect with two people that lift my spirits.
11.  Just for today I will write or talk about one thing I am grateful for no matter how small. Helen MacKinnon
12.  Just for today I will remain hopeful.
13.  Just for today I will look back at old photo albums and tell stories from the past which made me who I am today. 
14.  Just for today I will look in the mirror and recognize that I have a purpose for being here.
15.  Just for today I will make sure I am moving my body for at least 30 minutes.
16.  Just for today I will be kind to my mind.
17.  Just for today I will have an eye staring contest. Juliana Miller – MacPherson
18.  Just for today I will tell the people that I care about that they matter to me.
19.  Just for today I will not worry about what is in it for me, I will think only about what I can do to help out in every situation. Gail White
20.  Just for today I will dress in my favourite colour and eat my favourite food. Laurel Hunt
21.  Just for today I will listen to one of my favourite songs and sing along. Leena Booth
22.  Just for today I will say I am courageous, strong and can make a difference.
23.  Just for today everytime I wash my hands I will tell two silly jokes and laugh. Karen Hudson
24.  Just for today I will talk about helpful and unhelpful worries with an adult.
25.  Just for today I know that I am safe and I can control my thoughts.
26.  Just for today I will wish upon a star.
27.  Just for today I will remember that challenges can be opportunities.
28.  Just for today I will go for a walk and notice all the beauty around me.
29.  Just for today I will remember that all my feelings are ok. It’s ok to be scared etc.
30.  Just for today I will remind myself that just because I made a mistake doesn’t mean I am one.
31.  Just for today I will stay strong and well.
32.  Just for today I will share my favorite song/poem and we can sing or say them together or to each other.  Sheri Edwards
33.  Just for today I will not give up.
34.  Just for today I will ask God to get me through today.
35.  Just for today I will look at one way I can see the opportunities because of the challenges of today. 
36.  Just for today I will reevaluate my priorities and tell someone what I think.
37.  Just for today I will let go of any thoughts that don’t help my peace of mind.
38.  Just for today I will remember not everyone reacts to events in the same way. I will be positive today.
39.  Just for today I will remember that I am loveable and capable.
40.  Just for today I will take a break from watching or listening to any alarming news.
41.  Just for today wear my clothes inside out and walk backwards. ( Laura Cormier) 
42.  Just for today I will take care of my mind by listening to some soothing music.
43.  Just for today I will do one activity that I love and enjoy.
44.   Just for today I will check in with my parents and/ or , grandparents to bring a smile to their day.
45.  Just for today I will find a calm space just for me. 
46.  Just for today I will write about my feelings in a journal.
47.  Just for today I know that I can deal with life’s difficulties.
48.  Just for today I will smile often.
49.  Just for today I will say to myself I can cope with this uncertainty.
50.  Just for today I will draw out my worries.
51.  Just for today I will talk to an adult about what is concerning me.
52.  Just for today I will visualize my safe place ( a beach, being with my favourite friend , playing and singing in the rain).
53.  Just for today I will do more of what makes me happy.
54.  Just for today I will find two ways to distract myself if I start to catastrophize.
55.  Just for today I will let go of anything that upsets me.
56.  Just for today I will reassure myself that all will be well with the world.
57.  Just for today I will calm my wandering mind by doing something that is fun.
58.  Just for today I will unwind by taking time out of my day to draw, paint, sing, dance or play a game I love.
59.  Just for today I will read a book for 15 minutes for pleasure.
60.  Just for today I will be easy on myself.
61.  Just for today I will look for solutions.
62.  Just for today I will talk kindly and gently to myself just like I would my best friend.
63.  Just for today I will watch a funny movie or talk to a funny friend. I know laughter will help.
64.  Just for today I will remind myself that I matter.
65.  Just for today I can  journal for 10 minutes.
66.  Just for today I will open my heart to new ways of thinking and doing.
67.  Just for today I will spend some extra time with people I love.
68.  Just for today use your imagination to imagine the best that can happen.
69.  Just for today I will remind myself  of one good thing I can do for the world.
70.  Just for today I will  love with all my heart.
71.  Just for today I will tell myself that life can be tough sometimes  ,but so am I. 
72.  Just for today I will say I am strong, I am kind and I can do anything I make up my mind to do.
73.  Just for today I will recognize that I cannot change the circumstances ,but I can change my reaction to it. 
74.  Just for today I will practice breathing deeply.
75.  Just for today I will write 3 things I am grateful for.
76.  Just for today I will look at some old pictures and think of the positive memories of that time.
77.  Just for today I will make something new.
78.  Just for today I will create a song, a piece of art , a new recipe, or something I have always wanted to create.
79.  Just for today I will take a picture of something that brings me joy.
80.  Just for today I will lift someone else’s spirits.
81.  Just for today I will spread some kindness and love in the world.
82.  Just for today I will make hot chocolate and eat my favourite cookie.
83.  Just for today I will write a love letter.
84.  Just for today whenever I find myself thinking negative I will challenge those thoughts.
85.  Just for today I will reach out to someone who needs it.
86.  Just for today I will jump for joy.
87.  Just for today I will start a blog, a vlog or share something that makes the world a better place.
88.  Just for today I will share at least 2 jokes with others.
89.  Just for today I will connect with someone from a different generation than I am, to learn more about how they see the world.
90.  Just for today I will try a new recipe from a different culture.
91.  Just for today I will learn to make a friendship bracelet.
92.  Just for today I will collaborate with a friend on a project to make the world a better place.
93.  Just for today I will make a playlist of songs which inspire me.
94.  Just for today I will play a board game with my family.
95.  Just for today I will make a short video. 
96.  Just for today I will try a zoom chat with friends.
97.  Just for today I will focus on what I need.
98.  Just for today I will share something I am passionate about.
99. Just for today I will tell my colleagues how much I appreciate all they do. 
100. Just for today I will reach out to see if I can help someone else in the world.

What is your Just for Today ? Please share with us so we can share with educators from around the world.

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