Conquering Summer: Self Care Edition

Summer can be a great time to work on redefining your goals and making positive changes in your day to day life. Getting outside and being able to enjoy the outdoors can sometimes be the escape we need. Even during this time of uncertainty finding time and locations where you can enjoy and connect with nature is critical.

*Motivational Moments*

We Never Lose Our Self Worth, regardless of the struggles we have gone through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBrRpb8aLwk

**Self-Care Technique Spotlight: Gardening**

https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/health-benefits-of-gardening/

Find your inner Gardener! –Another excellent self-care idea is to start a backyard garden. Digging with your bare hands or feet into the soil is actually good for your mental health, as soil contains a special bacteria that works like a natural antidepressant. Caring for a garden is sure to get you outdoors all summer long and at the end of the season, you’ll have a healthy batch of crops or blooms to show for it!

:Writing Prompt:

Brain Dump: A place to write down every single idea on a subject – or everything inside your head period. Once you have cleared out your head, you can go back and make use of those ideas. This is particularly helpful when you are starting a big project and feel confused or overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. In that case, write down everything you will need to do and know in as granular a manner as possible.

Books and Films: Do you ever feel as though you cannot remember a good book to read or movie to watch when you need it? Now you will always have a place to write them down as they occur to you.

Self-Care: Mindfulness Unplugged

It is important to remain well informed, however constantly consuming content about COVID-19 can keep you in a heightened state of distress. We have access to so many outlets for media which are constantly discussing the virus, the economy and its ripple effect that has touched all our lives. Being able to unplug and reduce our media consumption can allow us to RESET ourselves and refocus our priorities, ultimately snapping us back to the present.

Here are some healthy ways to stay informed while also managing your media consumption:

Control what you can control - TIME is one thing you can control. Practicing good time management helps you create balance in your life. Using this time effectively to grow and self-reflect versus endlessly scrolling through news feed which can unwillingly induce anxiety and reduce motivation.

Do not keep the TV/Radio on news channels -While we want to remain conscious of any breaking reports, by watching TV/Youtube tuned into news stations is not good for you. Commit to only tuning in to a few news programs, articles per day, and set a time limit (such as 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening).

Be mindful of your social media time - Scrolling through social media throughout the day can drain you of mental strength as well. Pay attention to the time you are putting into it as it can greatly affect your mental health.

Follow people who inspire you on social media- Fill your feed with inspiration and positivity. If you follow people who are making catastrophic predictions and complaining about their situations, you will likely become distressed. Make sure you follow people who are more invested in helping, inspiring, and staying positive.

Be selective with the content you consume - Read articles and watch programs that focus on what you can do to stay healthy. Try not to overload yourself with too much information on the pandemic which can be found readily almost everywhere. Increase your mindfulness of what you are watching/reading.

Exercise decreases stress hormones – Exercise decreases stress hormones like cortisol. It also increases endorphins which could give your mood a natural boost. Physical activity can take your mind off of your problems and either redirect it on the activity at hand or get you into a zen-like state.

**Self-Care Technique Spotlight: 3 Day Mindfulness Journey**

Jump start your momentum with this intro to Medication & Mindfulness

https://www.mindful.org/take-a-3-day-mindfulness-journey-6-practices-for-spring/

::SELF-CARE SUNDAY HIGHLIGHT::

Developing a Self-Care routine might not happen overnight for you, however as you work to make your mental health a priority it will become easier. Taking time for ourselves to recharge is not selfish, its critical to having growth and balance in our lives. Next week we will highlight more Self-Care techniques and tips! Remember HOPE is not being canceled, we will get through this together. Our Community is strong, and we are here for you!