Restorative Selfcare

Former Dean of Students shares seven key restorative principles he used to help students struggling in college. It didn’t matter what the struggle was, it was how the student made meaning of the struggle. The key was students finding a restorative way to share their struggles and their authentic self. Restorative journaling, mentoring, circles, and groups were used to help students increase their resiliency, GRIT, and self-care habits. When students find a way to share their struggles they change the story they tell themselves. This changes their self-talk habits and increases their ability to face the next challenge. Being aware of negative self-talk and taking steps to change it in the moment can help students manage anxiety and new challenges. This chapter shares stories of using seven practices to rise stronger and wiser from the setbacks of life.