Tools 2 Thrive – Book A – Pupil Digital Companion Page

As part of the Tools 2 Thrive programme, this digital page is designed to support you with more in-depth material which is available online about each topic or tool explored through the Tools 2 Thrive Book A programme.

Click on the lesson you are doing in class below for additional supplementary online activities, supporting videos and much more.

Select the lesson you are on for additional supplementary activities.

Lesson 1   |   Lesson 2   |   Lesson 3   |   Lesson 4   |   Lesson 5   |   Lesson 6  |   Lesson 7   |   Lesson 8

Lesson 1: How to Thrive

Lesson 1 – Online Article:
Psychologists find the key to a thriving life

This online article outlines recent research on thriving. Click on the image below for access.

Lesson 1 - VideoWatch:
Improving our neuroplasticity
| Dr. Kelly Lambert | TEDxBermuda

This TED talk is on the importance of our behaviours in improving our neuroplasticity and well-being – YouTube (0:19:41)

Lesson 1 – Online Article:
You Need These 7 Things to Thrive, Research Says

This online article outlines 7 research-based things to help you to thrive. Click on the image below for access.

Useful Organisations
in Ireland

If you are struggling with your mental health or well-being, always reach out for help from family and friends. These organisations may also be helpful.

  • Jigsaw: Mental health advice and support – online and in person – for young people aged 12 to 25 and for parents or concerned adults.
  • Childline: Ireland’s 24-hour listening service for young people up to the age of 18. Childline is a service from the ISPCC. Freephone 1800 666 666 or Text 50101 any time. Alternatively, you can Chat online at childline.ie any time.
  • BeLonG To Youth Services: Support, information and groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland, their parents and carers, and other professionals.
  • Spunout: Ireland’s youth information website created by young people, for young people. Articles and information for young people on many topics, including mental health. Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to chat with a trained volunteer, any time.
  • Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Call 116 123 anytime – for free.

Lesson 1 - VideoWatch:
This is why you're always tired all the time!

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

There are lots of ‘little things’ that we can do every day to recharge our batteries & help ourselves to thrive. Watch this video by author & podcaster Jay Shetty for some ideas – even though it is not specifically aimed at students, it still contains some useful tips – Jay Shetty – Youtube 00:03:45

Lesson 1 - VideoWatch:
Happy Brain Chemicals:
Dopamine, Serotonin,
Oxytocin, Endorphin

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch the following video to learn more on the 4 feel-good chemicals
– Inner Mammal Institute – Youtube 00:02:22

Lesson 2: Soothe Your Survival Brain

Lesson 2 – Online Article:
Fight / Flight / Freeze Response

This online article outlines 7 research-based things to help you to thrive. Click on the image below for access.

Lesson 2 – Online Article:
Relaxation techniques
- Harvard Health Publishing -

This online article explores the benefits of deep breathing to calm the stress response. Click on the image below for access.

Lesson 2 - VideoWatch
Fight Flight Freeze:
Anxiety Explained For Teens | Anxiety Canada

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

This video by Anxiety Canada explains the fight, flight, freeze response – YouTube (0:02:41)

Lesson 2 - VideoWatch:
The Happiness Trap: Evolution of the Human Mind

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video which explains the fight/flight/freeze response and how modern-day stressors trigger it.
– Dr. Russ Harris – Acceptance Commitment Therapy | YouTube (0:03:37)

Lesson 3: Tool 2: Activate Your Thriving Brain

Lesson 3 – Online Article:
The Science of Gratitude

This online article explores the science of gratitude and shares ideas for bringing more gratitude into your life.

Lesson 3 – Podcast:
The Verywell Mind Podcast

This 12-minute podcast explores some examples of harmful mental health messages from social media.

Lesson 3 – Online Article:
How to Build a New Habit: This is Your Strategy Guide.

This online article by James Clear outlines 5 steps for building a new habit.

Lesson 3 - VideoWatch:
Change Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) - Daniel Amen, M.D.

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video in which psychologist Dr. Daniel Amen explains ANTs & ways to challenge them – MEDspiration – Youtube (00:03:39)

Lesson 3 - VideoWatch:
Morning Exercise = Mental Health

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video which explains the science behind the value of exercising in the morning
– Before Skool – Youtube (00:02:12)

Lesson 4: Tool 3: Boost Your Thriving Emotions

Lesson 4 – Online Article:
Boost Your Thriving Emotions.

This online article explores how we can achieve active inspiration in our lives.

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Lesson 4 - Video/Watch;
Emotional Intelligence
from a Teenage Perspective

This TED talk by teenager Maximillian Park explores the importance of understanding and accepting all our emotions in helpful ways. | TEDxYouth@PVPHS | Youtube (0:13:15)

Lesson 4 - VideoWatch:
The Science of Gratitude

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video which explains the science behind the benefits of gratitude
– Tremendousness – YouTube (00:02:07)

Lesson 4 - VideoWatch:
Yosemite HD

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch the following video to evoke inspiration & awe! 
– projectyose | YouTube (0:03:57)

Lesson 5: Tool 4: Train Your Thoughts

Lesson 5 - Online Article
Train Your Thoughts.

Read this online article
from Anxiety Canada which
outlines some common Thinking Traps.

Lesson 5 - VideoWatch:
Identifying Negative Thoughts Falling into a Thinking Trap

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video which explains some Thinking Traps.
– East London NHS Foundation Trust | YouTube (0:08:24)

Lesson 5 - Video/Watch;
Your brain is wired for negative thoughts. Here’s how to change it.

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video outlining how our brains are wired for negativity. | University of California | Youtube (0:04:32)

Lesson 6: Tool 5: Embody Your Values

Lesson 6 - Video/Watch;
What are Values?

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video to show how important values are in guiding our decisions. | Sustainability Science Education | Youtube (0:03:15)

Lesson 6 – Video/Watch:
The 10 Most Important Human Values - Fearless Soul

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video about 10 inspiring values. | Fearless Soul | Youtube (0:10:45)

Lesson 7: Tool 6: Believe in Yourself

Lesson 7 - Online Article:
Self Efficacy and Why Believing in Yourself Matters

Read this online article about how to develop self-efficacy (self-belief) – verywellmind.com

Lesson 7 - VideoWatch:
The Science of Character

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

This video explains the science of Character Strengths in more detail.
– Tiffany Shlain & Let it Ripple Studio | YouTube (0:08:04)

Lesson 7 - Video/Watch;
Believe in Yourself - Motivational Video

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this inspiring video about the importance of self-belief.

Eddie Pinero | Youtube (0:03:44)

Lesson 8: It's Time to Thrive

Lesson 8 – Online Article:
10 Keys to Happier Living

This online article explores ways to help you to thrive – actionforhappiness.org

Lesson 8 – Online Article:
You Need These 7 Things to Thrive, Research Says

Read this article on 7 things you need to help you to thrive – viacharacter.org

Lesson 8 - VideoWatch:
The Time You Have (in JellyBeans)

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this video about making the most of our lives by thinking about the time we have. 
– Ze Frank | YouTube (0:02:44)

Lesson 8 - VideoWatch:
Michelle Obama's Life Advice

Please note – this video is also on the Teacher Digital Companion Page for this lesson.

Watch this speech by Michelle Obama to motivate you to take action to help yourself to thrive.
– Michelle Obama | Motivation Ark | YouTube (0:08:50)

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