As August arrives, it brings with it a special occasion: National Wellness Month. This month-long observance encourages individuals to focus on their overall well-being, nurturing their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. For Girl Scouts across the country, this presents an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-care and personal growth. In this blog, we will explore what National Wellness Month is and how Girl Scouts can embrace it, fostering wellness in all aspects of their lives.

Understanding National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month is a time to prioritize self-care and explore various avenues of wellness to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life. It serves as a reminder to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing individuals to focus on their inner selves and nourish their bodies, minds, and spirits. By promoting self-awareness and healthy habits, this month encourages people to make positive changes that can lead to long-term well-being.

Practicing Mental Wellness

Mental wellness is vital for maintaining a healthy mind and emotional state. Girl Scouts can cultivate mental wellness in August by practicing:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Encouraging daily mindfulness exercises and meditation can help girls to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience.
2. Journaling: Promoting the habit of journaling allows girls to express their thoughts and emotions, leading to greater self-understanding and emotional processing.
3. Positive Affirmations: Emphasizing the power of positive affirmations can boost self-esteem and foster a growth mindset.

Badges you can earn relating to Mental Wellness:

• Participate in the national Resilient. Ready. Strong. Patch Program
• Earn the Daisy Petal Patch through engaging, hands-on activities from one or more of the Girl Scout pillars: STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors, and Entrepreneurship. Each petal badge focuses on a different line of the Girl Scout Law.

Emotional Wellness

Emotional wellness involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions effectively. Here’s how Girl Scouts can practice emotional wellness:

1. Emotional Expression: Encouraging open and honest communication about feelings helps create a supportive and empathetic environment within the troop.
2. Building Resilience: Organizing activities that challenge girls to overcome obstacles and setbacks will strengthen their resilience and emotional coping skills.
3. Practicing Empathy: Participating in community service projects allows girls to connect with others, cultivating empathy and compassion.

Girl Scout activities you can participate in relating to Emotional Wellness:

• Mental Health Wellness Activities
• COMING SOON! Earn the NEW Mental Health Patches designed by GSUSA in collaboration with HCA Healthcare Foundation

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness goes beyond religious beliefs; it involves finding purpose and meaning in life. For Girl Scouts, spiritual wellness can be nurtured by:

1. Nature Walks: Encouraging girls to spend time in nature helps them connect with the world around them and fosters a sense of wonder and spirituality.
2. Reflection and Gratitude: Incorporating moments of reflection and gratitude in troop activities promotes a sense of appreciation and spiritual growth.
3. Service to Others: Engaging in volunteer work and acts of kindness gives girls a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Badge Programs relating to Spiritual Wellness:

• My Promise, My Faith Pin, which helps a girl strengthen the connection between the Girl Scout Law and her faith.
• The P.R.A.Y. Award is the linchpin connecting scouting and churches to benefit young people. The result is stronger youth, stronger families, stronger congregations, and stronger councils.

Physical Wellness

Physical wellness involves maintaining a healthy body through proper nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Here’s how Girl Scouts can practice physical wellness:

1. Healthy Eating Habits: Educating girls about balanced nutrition and encouraging healthy snack options during troop meetings and outings.
2. Active Lifestyle: Organizing physical activities like hiking, biking, or dancing to promote regular exercise and overall fitness.
3. Rest and Relaxation: Emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep and relaxation to support physical recovery and mental well-being.

Badge programs relating to physical wellness:

• Junior Staying Fit Badge

Conclusion

National Wellness Month presents an opportunity for Girl Scouts to prioritize their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. By embracing various wellness practices, they can cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and a balanced lifestyle. As they embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, they will not only benefit individually, but also collectively strengthen their bond as a supportive and compassionate troop. Let August be a month of empowerment, self-care, and wellness for every Girl Scout. Happy National Wellness Month!