Stress is a natural part of growing up, but for many children it can feel
overwhelming. School pressures, social dynamics, and external expectations
can create stress that goes beyond young people’s ability to cope, leading
to a troubling rise in
anxiety and depression.
In response, creative outlets have emerged as vital lifelines, offering
children ways to manage stress and express their emotions in healthier ways.
These activities not only provide relief but also empower kids to process
their feelings constructively.
Understanding this, Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®
(BCBS) companies are partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America
nationally to promote mental health and well-being. The goal of the
initiative is to provide support to clubs scaling their trauma-informed
training for staff members. As part of the program, each independent BCBS
plan is matched with a local club that they can support through
volunteerism.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is collaborating with Boys & Girls Clubs
of Philadelphia, with the goal of offering volunteer activities that foster
well-being and inspire youth to thrive. These efforts complement the
national partnership and have a direct impact on the local Philadelphia club
and the children they serve.
Fostering Creativity and Fun
In the summer of 2024, IBX worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of
Philadelphia staff to organize a volunteer project at the Germantown Club
that promoted physical and emotional health for summer camp participants. It
included a variety of field-day activities and crafts centered on
mindfulness and well-being.
Assisted by Bue Crew volunteers, the campers enjoyed a
Field Day
packed with games like cornhole and inflatable bowling, along with
back-to-school crafts such as journal creation, canvas decorating, and
sensory bottle making.
As
Libby Lescalleet, Executive Vice President of Programs, Partnerships, and Development at
Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, notes, “The more outlets we continue
to give our kids, the better it’s going to be. Infusing additional mental
health resources supports them as they navigate various challenges and helps
them become better young people.”
Activities such as art, journaling, and physical exercise can play a key
role in boosting emotional well-being. These creative pursuits allow
children to connect more deeply with their emotions, giving them a safe
space to explore their inner thoughts.
Building the Toolbox
Whether the goal is helping children deal with social pressures, easing
their academic stress, or simply enabling them to focus on their emotional
well-being, there are some best-practice tools and exercises that can make a
difference, including:
1. Journaling
For children who enjoy writing, keeping a journal lets them express their
thoughts and feelings freely. This reflective practice provides valuable
perspective and fosters well-being.
2. Drawing
For kids who find verbal expression difficult, drawing can be a powerful
outlet. It gives them a creative way to express their emotions and process
challenging situations.
3. Creating sensory bottles
Filling sensory bottles with calming elements, like glitter or small
objects, can help children refocus during stressful moments. Watching the
slow movement of the contents within the bottle can have a soothing effect,
making it easier for young people to regulate their emotions.
4. Mindfulness activities
Simple breathing exercises and guided imagery can help children ground
themselves during times of heightened stress. These activities teach them
how to calm their bodies and minds, fostering emotional regulation.
5. Physical activity
Movement is one of the best ways to foster well-being. Encouraging children
to get outside, run, jump, and play helps release endorphins that boost
their moods and lower their stress levels.
A Collective Effort
While introducing tools like these is essential, it’s only part of the
bigger picture. IBX is committed to making behavioral health services easier
for our members to access, with proven evidence-based approaches for
children, adolescents, and families. With our rapidly expanding network, members can make an appointment with a
quality provider in less than a week.
Mental health isn’t an individual journey; it requires the support of
family, educators, and
the community. Parents, caregivers, and teachers play a pivotal role, and it’s crucial to
equip them with the resources and knowledge they need to support children’s
mental health effectively.
Achieving
equitable whole-person health
is a core part of our mission at IBX. And by supporting Boys & Girls
Clubs to help younger generations navigate mental health challenges now, we
can establish an important foundation for them to lead healthier, more
fulfilled lives as adults.
For more information about mental health, self-care strategies, and
where to find help, visit
ibx.com/knowyourmind.
This content was originally published on
IBX Insights.