What is Behavioural Health and How Have Behaviours Changed Post-Lockdowns?
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Behavioural Health Defined
Behavioural health refers to the connection between our actions, emotions, and overall well-being. It encompasses how we self-regulate, build resilience, and engage empathetically with the world around us. This concept highlights our ability to understand the impact of our behaviours—both conscious and subconscious—on ourselves and others. In practical terms, behavioural health involves developing skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and foster positive interactions while promoting mental and physical well-being.
Key elements of behavioural health include:
Self-Regulation: Managing one’s emotions and actions, reducing impulsivity, and practicing discipline.
Resilience: Adapting and bouncing back from challenges in life and academic settings.
Awareness of Actions: Recognizing impulsive behaviours and understanding their impact.
Empathy: Cultivating a deeper understanding of others’ emotions and perspectives.
Body Awareness: Connecting with and understanding one’s physical sensations to promote mindfulness.
In educational settings, behavioural health initiatives aim to create supportive environments that foster emotional intelligence, academic success, and positive relationships.
How Have Behaviours Changed Post-Lockdowns?
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns drastically altered social norms, routines, and emotional landscapes, leading to widespread changes in behaviours among children and adults.
Observed Changes Post-Lockdowns
Increased Emotional Dysregulation:
Children and adolescents are experiencing heightened levels of frustration, anger, and anxiety.
Educators report more frequent emotional outbursts and challenges in self-regulation.
Reduced Resilience:
Extended periods of isolation have diminished opportunities for social and emotional skill-building.
Many students struggle to adapt to challenges, showing reduced perseverance in academics and social interactions.
Weakened Social Skills and Empathy:
Limited in-person interactions during lockdowns have stunted the development of empathy and communication skills.
Increased dependence on screens has created barriers to understanding emotional cues in real-life settings.
Impacts on Physical and Body Awareness:
Reduced physical activity during lockdowns has led to challenges in body awareness and coordination.
A lack of structured routines has resulted in irregular sleep patterns, affecting focus and energy levels.
Heightened Stress and Anxiety:
Both students and teachers face increased stress, with academic expectations clashing against mental health struggles.
Reports of “pandemic burnout” are common, with many struggling to re-establish pre-pandemic routines.
The Role of Behavioural Health in Recovery
In the wake of these behavioural shifts, mindfulness and targeted behavioural health interventions have emerged as critical tools for recovery.
Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: Programs like Dreamwalkers Meditations address behavioural health by improving self-regulation, reducing anxiety, and fostering empathy. Research shows that regular meditation can decrease the amygdala's activity (the brain's fear centre), promoting emotional stability and focus.
SEL Integration: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities aligned with behavioural health encourage resilience and empathy, helping students navigate complex emotions.
Teacher Empowerment: Mindfulness strategies equip overwhelmed educators with tools to manage classroom behaviours and cultivate positive learning environments.
Takeaway
Behavioural health is more important than ever in the post-lockdown era. By nurturing self-regulation, resilience, empathy, and body awareness, educators and families can support children as they rebuild skills and navigate this complex world. Programs emphasizing mindfulness offer a path to recovery, promoting emotional intelligence, focus, and connection. Together, these efforts can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.