SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2024-25

Throughout the year, we will be continuing to share information and resources on sleep (physical wellness), play (social wellness), and presence (emotional wellness). Here are some helpful strategies for you!

• Sleep: We all know sleep is important, but let’s talk about sleep quality over quantity. Ever notice how some nights, eight hours leaves you groggy, while six hours after a good book and a relaxed mind feels amazing? The secret isn’t just in how long you sleep—but how you prepare for it. Instead of forcing an early bedtime, focus on closing your day with intention. Try something simple yet effective: a “reverse alarm”—set a reminder an hour before bed to signal the start of winding down. No emails, no scrolling—just a cue to shift gears. Dim the lights, listen to music, stretch, or do anything that tells your brain "the workday is done." By making sleep a ritual, not a race for hours, you’ll wake up feeling rested, not just rested enough. 
• Play: We often think of play as something for kids, but adults need it just as much—especially in high-stress professions like education. Play isn’t just about games; it’s anything that sparks joy, creativity, and curiosity without a specific outcome. Ever notice how time flies when you're fully engaged in something fun? That’s play at work. When was the last time you did something just for the fun of it? If it has been a while, make it a priority moving forward. 
• Presence: In a world full of distractions, true presence is rare. It’s not just about physically being in the same room, it’s about showing up with intention. When we focus fully on the person in front of us, we’re not just listening, we’re connecting. And that connection creates a sense of trust and belonging that’s transformative for both us and the people we interact with. Instead of multitasking through conversations or checking emails in between, try single-tasking your presence. Whether it’s a five-minute chat with a colleague or a student asking for help, make that moment about them. Put your phone down, make eye contact, and engage fully. It’s in these moments of genuine attention that the magic happens—strengthening relationships and making both you and others feel truly seen.

Handle With Care

As educators, we know that students don’t leave their personal struggles at the door when they enter the classroom. Life outside of school can bring challenges that affect their ability to focus, learn, and engage. That’s where the “Handle With Care” program comes in: a powerful collaboration between SPS and our local law enforcement designed to support students facing difficult circumstances.

So what exactly is "Handle With Care"? The program ensures that if a student experiences a traumatic event outside of school—such as witnessing violence, a family crisis, or other distressing situations—law enforcement can discreetly notify the school with a simple message: “Handle [Student’s Name] With Care.” No specific details are shared, protecting the student’s privacy while alerting school staff to provide extra support, patience, and understanding.

When a “Handle With Care” notification is received, teachers and staff can:

• Offer extra patience and understanding if a student seems distracted or withdrawn.

• Provide flexibility with assignments, participation, or deadlines as needed.

• Connect the student with school counselors or support services if they need additional help.

• Create a safe, calm, and reassuring environment where students feel cared for and supported.

Why It Matters

Trauma can impact learning, behavior, and emotional well-being. By recognizing when a student may need extra care, we foster a school culture of compassion, safety, and resilience—ensuring that no child has to face their struggles alone. For more information on Handle with Care, visit https://handlewithcareok.org/

Chili Bike 

Back by popular demand, Chili Bike will be held this year at Lake McMurtry on February 16th. Participants have the option to either choose their own adventure and ride one trail or complete all 35 miles of trails in the Ultimate Chili Bike Challenge. There is also a 30-mile gravel ride option. All proceeds go towards the continued trail maintenance efforts and improvement and enhancement of the park. Lake McMurtry friends will continue to make efforts to refurbish and add to the Lakes 25-year-old 35 Mile multi-use trail system and to create a welcoming and inclusive space that promotes positive health outcomes physically, socially, and mentally for everyone. Oh… and there's a chili potluck!  For more information or to register click here.

February is National Heart Month

February is National Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on heart health and self-care—especially for busy educators and school staff! With the demands of teaching, supporting students, and balancing responsibilities, it’s easy to put wellness on the back burner. However, small daily habits can have a big impact on your heart health. Here are some Heart-Healthy Tips for School Staff:

❤️ Move More: Try incorporating short walks during breaks, stretching between classes, or standing while grading papers. Even small bursts of movement improve circulation and reduce stress!

🥗 Make Smart Food Choices: Pack heart-healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt, and fruit. Stay hydrated and aim for balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

🧘‍♀️ Manage Stress: Teaching is rewarding but demanding. Take deep breaths, step outside for fresh air, or try mindfulness techniques to keep stress in check.

💤 Prioritize Sleep: A well-rested heart is a healthy heart! Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support overall wellness and energy levels. 

💙 Know Your Numbers: Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are key indicators of heart health. Consider scheduling a check-up to stay informed and proactive.

Wellness Lessons from Japan: Simplicity & Balance

In the world of education, where days are fast-paced and full of demands, finding balance is essential. Japan offers valuable wellness lessons through its culture of simplicity, mindfulness, and intentional living. From the practice of ikigai (a sense of purpose) to the appreciation of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection), Japanese traditions emphasize slowing down, being present, and valuing the small moments that bring joy.

As school staff, we can apply these principles by creating meaningful routines, embracing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care. Taking a moment to breathe between classes, enjoying meals without distraction, or simply appreciating the everyday interactions with students can bring a sense of calm and renewal. By focusing on quality over quantity—whether in work, relationships, or daily habits—we can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life, both in and out of the classroom. For more information on this topic, read this article!

Stillwater Parks & Community Resources Open House

Spending time in parks and green spaces isn’t just good for the body, it’s essential for the mind. Research shows that access to nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and enhances overall well-being. Parks provide a space for relaxation, movement, and meaningful community connections, all of which contribute to a healthier, happier life.

Looking for a way to get involved? On Thursday, February 20, at 5:30 p.m., the City of Stillwater is hosting a Parks & Community Resources Open House at the Stillwater Community Center. This is a great opportunity for staff and community members to share ideas, provide feedback, and help shape the future of local parks and resources. City staff, administration, and councilors will be there to engage in valuable conversations—we hope to see you there! The Open House will be at the Stillwater Community Center in the Lowry Activity Center. Someone go to this and tap into your inner Leslie Knope....

Public Health Tips Contributed by Ava, OSU Public Health Intern

When we hear the words physical activity, we often immediately think of some of the basic definitions, such as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure”, according to the World Health Organization. This is a broad definition that can imply a lot of things, but often our brains just think of sports and things like walking, running or strength training. Do not get me wrong, these are great ways to get physical activity, but sometimes we can get too busy, or they are simply something we are not interested in. The beauty of physical activity is that it can be so much more than those few things that come to our minds automatically. It can be as simple as…

1. Parking at the far end of a parking lot or using the stairs: These are two things we dread doing, but every step counts and can make a difference.

2. On the phone? Just walk and talk: Multi-task your next phone call or meeting by going for a walk at the same time!

3. Join a short workout class. This can be yoga, cycling, pilates, or anything that gets your blood pumping!

4. Need to do some cleaning: Most cleaning can be physical but do some deep cleaning and get active so you can get two tasks out of one.

5. Physical activity can be hard for some of us that feel overwhelmed with things in general, but just taking a few minutes out of your day to do these things can be most beneficial and not too time-consuming with a busy schedule.

Upcoming Events

• Select days throughout February: Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing
  • 11am-4pm at OSU Museum of Art. Learn more here. 
• February 7: Classic Cinema at the Center: “Hidden Figures”
  • 7pm at Stillwater Community Center
• February 8 and 9: The Sweet Stillwater TICA Cat Show & Adoption Event
  • 9am-4pm at Payne County Expo Center
• February 14: Stillwater Public Library Lovers Readathon
  • 7pm to 9:30pm at Stonecloud Patio & Tap Room
• February 16: Lake McMurtry Chili Bike
  • See above for additional details 
• February 21: Third Friday Downtown
  • 4pm to 8pm Downtown Stillwater