the mental processes we use to control our mind’s functions, states, and inner processes: Health & Wellbeing Essay, UCC, Ireland

Part 1. Self-Regulation is defined as:

the mental processes we use to control our mind’s functions, states, and inner processes. Or, self-regulation may be defined as control over oneself. It may involve control over our thoughts, emotions, impulses, appetites, or task performance. Self-regulation is often thought to be the same thing as self-control (Vohs & Baumeister, 2004) and it usually involves stopping or inhibiting an action although it sometimes involves initiating an action (Baumeister, 2014) (source: Berkeley Wellbeing Inst.)

Our professional performance and ultimate job satisfaction depend on self-regulation. How can we ensure that we have the skills to self-regulate in order to maintain a calm and productive environment at work or in the home? List two particular skills needed in order to effectively self-regulate and maximize the effectiveness of what we do on a daily basis. As SNAs, can we promote the skills of self-regulation in the children we support?

Part 2. Well-being has become a prominent feature of the schools’ curriculum. Please comment reflectively on how you can contribute to promoting the wellbeing of the students you support, on a daily basis. Here are the links for some very useful references, including the current Wellbeing Guidelines for Schools:

Part 3. Describe one or two strategies that you might use in order to resolve conflict (refer to Restorative Practice and one other strategy).

“Restorative practices, in essence, replace systems that impose punishment and top-down systems of control on students in favor of a more communal, collaborative system of communication, expectation-setting and accountability.”

Cory Collins, Toolkit: The Foundations of Restorative Justice

Part 4: Share your favourite three strategies for promoting calmness and relaxation (for adults or children).

Part 5. Outline the potential role of the SNA within a Critical Incident scenario, with reference to the official guidelines for practice (Link here)