Wellness is an important factor for living a healthy life, both physical, mental, and emotional, and it’s an umbrella term that means a lot more than you might think initially. How can educators promote wellness and create that culture in class or at school, and what does a successful culture of wellness look like in the classroom?

Children spend a lot of time in their young lives in the classroom, many hours a week, so it’s important to see the classroom as not just a place for them to learn academic subjects, but also important life skills. They should be leaving school with a lot more information about life than maths and science, things like how to care for themselves, how to get involved in their community, and create a sense of belonging and feel connected to those around them. Read on for the top nine ways that teachers and educators can support a wellness culture at their school.

1. Welcome students’ opinions.

It’s crucial that teachers listen to what their students have to say and welcome them to explore the education system and propose changes that would be more beneficial to their school/life/health balance. To promote wellness and make them feel heard, understood, and seen as equals, give them plenty of opportunities to speak out and encourage them to share their feedback on certain topics and give their ideas about how to improve something about the school.

2. Start a fundraiser.

Students can benefit a lot from fundraising, from all stages like the brainstorming for the idea and the cause, to the execution of the plan, and the selflessness of the gesture. As per Eugene Wright, a health writer at PhD Writing Service and PaperFellows.com, “fundraising is a great way for them to feel the importance of doing good for the community, and they will feel accomplished at the success and the act itself, which will stay with them a long time.”

3. Lead by example.

Teachers and educators should be leading by example to show students how to live a healthy lifestyle and promote wellness, positive interactions, and good relationships with peers. Students should see their teachers communicating positively, show integrity and accountability, and they’ll be more willing to act that way themselves.

4. Respect individualism.

Each community is different from each other, so students should learn to recognize the uniqueness and individuality not only of people but of other communities.

5. Create engagement through activities.

Show your students that teaching and learning isn’t just for grades and to meet a standard. Lessons should stimulate engagement and curiosity so students have a true desire to learn and create a love of learning that will last with them their whole lives.

6. Have a welcoming classroom environment.

All students deserve to feel like they belong in the classroom. Be sure that each of them feels comfortable, valued, and appreciated as students and individuals, from the very first day of class when they’re together for the first time.

7. Have school services and support.

Joanne T. French, a wellness blogger at AustralianHelp.com and Essay Writers, shares with her readers the importance that “students should be very clear on what services are offered by the school, and feel comfortable and confident enough to seek out those services. Be clear from the outset what help is available to them instead of waiting until it’s necessary.”

8. Focus on community.

Students will benefit from feeling like they’re contributing to a greater cause. It may change their perspective and make them look at others differently. Get your students involved in community projects and build their sense of compassion and empathy.

9. Foster sense of belonging.

The classroom should be an environment where students can create meaningful connections with others and make them feel like they belong. Curiosity and respect of other is a great place to start to get to that point.

At its core, wellness is practicing positivity in all aspects of life, from your attitude to your outlook, to who you surround yourself well and promoting positive policies. School is a good place to start fostering that wellness so students can take those lessons with them after they leave school.

Beatrix Potter, a manager at BoomEssays.com and Write My Paper, writes about wellness, spirituality, and education. She likes finding ways to combine these topics to improve young people’s lives. Beatrix also works at Management Essay Help as a freelance editor.