Breakout Sessions
We have designed four different breakout sessions that all function to address ways we can manage situations that feel outside of our control. We invite group leaders to choose ONE to lead your team, class, advisory, or group through. Concussions present three unique challenges: they have an unpredictable timeline for recovery, are often invisible to others, and impact the organ that controls all of our bodies' functions. Many struggling with concussions will attest to the isolation, stigma, and unpredictability these factors create in their recovery.
​
Although these aspects root the foundation of our Breakout sessions, the reality is that many of us struggle with isolation, stigma, and unpredictability in our lives outside of experiencing a concussion. We encourage facilitators to consider this lens when choosing the activity appropriate for their group so that all have the opportunity to access its importance.
​
Breakout Session Goals
-
Apply purposeful activities that promote student-athlete wellbeing and resilience when things are not going “as planned”
-
Promote an opportunity for adults to model for students how different practices can be implemented in daily life
-
Develop tools and language to return to when supporting students struggling with adverse situations in the future
Reflection Questions
Reflection questions are designed to be used as a resource for further exploration. They can support the facilitation of large group discussion, smaller pair/share conversation, as journaling prompts, or for facilitating group follow-up at a later time. Of course, please do not feel be confined by these questions!
Energy Bank
The Energy Bank was designed as a tool that individuals can use to identify those aspects of life that they have control over. By recognizing what we need in order to be the best version of ourselves, we can take better ownership of our bodies and minds. When we are faced with moments or situations that feel outside of our control, this tool can be particularly useful in grounding an individual.
Journaling
When we are faced with challenging situations outside of our control, it is a common experience to feel stuck inside our own heads. Journaling is one of many avenues that can be helpful in moving anxious energy out of the body. It also lends itself to being a reflective space where we can choose to share with others or keep for ourselves.
Self-Compassion Scale
Self-compassion means being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical; perceiving one’s experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as isolating, and holding painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness rather than over-identifying with them.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is a state of being present, attuned, and self-aware. Through practicing mindfulness, we work towards living our present moment experiences and allowing them to unfold without judgment or criticism. Mindfulness is the state of awareness that we cultivate when we notice things exactly as they are, without trying to push them away or change them.