NUAMES COUNSELING - Counseling Corner

Self-Care September 2020: You can't pour from an empty cup

9/4/2020

Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. No-one's perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people's outsides. This month we're encouraging everyone to be kinder to themselves (as well as others), especially when things go wrong. Self-care increases our resilience and helps us get more out of life. It also helps us accept others as they are too.
Source: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/self-care-september

the present

5/14/2020

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift… that’s why they call it the present”
― Master Oogway

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

tIPS TO HELP TEENS COPE DURING COVID 19

5/8/2020

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https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/04/tips-to-help-teens-cope-during-covid-19/

mindful breath

5/7/2020

Meaningful may

4/30/2020

Daily life has been turned upside down and it's easy to feel lost. Although we can't control what's going on around us, we can choose to live purposefully. Find meaning in the month of May with some ideas from the calendar below. Be well, be safe, be blessed.

Source: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/875760/may_2020.jpg

The 4 M's of Mental Health

4/23/2020

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/reducing-anxiety-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-psychiatrist-shares-tips-80626245971

Mindfulness- You can practice being present to your mind (and to the rhythm of the activity) in any routine activity. Starting April 27th, join in a mindfulness session from 1:00-1:30 pm on days you see an announcement in your Canvas Seminar.
Mastery- Getting better at something; ideally at something that 'strengthens' you and you care about.
Meaningful engagement- Humans are social animals. We need to connect. Remember your community - we’re in this together. Think about your connections; your wider community, your friends, school friends, family.
Movement - Yes, we have to move! Go outside; go for walks, take your pets on walks, connect with nature. Or perhaps exercise; bike, run, hike.

Interrupt anxiety with gratitude!

4/21/2020

Plans are pushed back, events are canceled, you are stuck at home, and the store hasn't restocked its toilet paper. You may be feeling frustrated and worried but it's important to find the positives in every situation. Writing three things you're grateful for each day can train your brain to focus on and feel the positives. Whether it's a text you got from a friend, a good meal, or a sunny day, jot it down and move forward. It has been said that the quality of our gratitude determines the quality of our lives. The more we express thankfulness, the happier and healthier we are! "SOCIAL DISTANCING" does NOT mean "EMOTIONAL DISTANCING", Look for ways to stay emotionally connected and starting noticing and take note of the good things happening around you today! It will make your heart and mind happy!

Daily Strategies PartII

4/16/2020

Accessibility. Develop ways in which you are accessible to other NUAMES students, friends and family.

Face Time and Connectivity. Humans need to feel and be connected. Utilize video tools such as Skype, Facetime, Google Hangouts, Facebook and WhatsApp to connect visually.

Resources. Know your resources; from meeting your basic needs to when you are in an emergency.

Support. The National Alliance on Mental Health Illness website provides a comprehensive guide to national and local mental health resources. Know that there is help when needed.

Source: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/active-april
Check out the Action for Happiness Apps for iPhone and Android

The Science of kindness... it does a body good!

4/14/2020

https://tinyurl.com/thescienceofkindness

"Kindness not only makes us feel good, but also has a positive impact on our health — both physical and mental. Being kind fills us with life. Why? Our brain secretes substances that support a healthy mind and body.

Being kind helps us keep in good health and strengthens our immune systems! Putting this attitude of Kindness into practice releases endorphins, our body’s natural pain-reliever.

In fact, stress-related health problems improve after doing “kind acts”. It helps reverse feelings of depression, provides social contact, calms aggression and decreases the likelihood of loneliness, which can cause stress."

Source:exploringyourmind.com

do something kind for yourself or others today!

https://inspirekindness.com/blog/kindness-ideas-kids-covid19-coronavirus

https://inspirekindness.com/blog/practicing-kindness-during-the-coronavirus

Daily Strategies Part i

4/9/2020

Space. Create a structured, dedicated work environment, and include regular patterns of self- care.

Routine. Try to maintain a routine that reflects your normal day routine, including how you dress and structured breaks for lunch and mini-breaks.

Activity. Regular exercise and mindfulness activities are key during times of crisis. Exercise and mindfulness activities help mitigate depression and anxiety while improving cognition and confidence. Develop a daily routine for both, even if this is as simple as a 15-minute walk and/or quiet time with deep breathing.

Time and Energy Management. Be mindful of over- or under-working. Try to structure your daily work in a way that mirrors your normal school hours. In addition to time management, be aware of the way in which you eat, self-talk, and communicate with others. Self-compassion and self-care provide stability and confidence.

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