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  • Mental Health Month Tips From Wellness Thought Leaders| Well+Good

    Mental Health Month Tips From Wellness Thought Leaders| Well+Good

    Inhale, exhale. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Well+Good tapped some of our favorite health and wellness leaders to create the Mental Well-Being Challenge, a 31-day action plan to help you trust yourself, cope with stress, thrive at work, and show up for your community. Read More

    Recently, social entrepreneur and writer Rachel Cargle posted the following on Instagram: “Today I laughed on the phone for nearly an hour, made myself a cup of hot tea, apologized to my lover for something I said last night, didn’t make time for the full nutritious dinner I craved, and walked gracefully through a heated discussion with a service provider #andthatwasenough.”

    Cargle’s hashtag gestures to the fact that it’s an act of grace to end each day by telling ourselves, “Yes, today I was/did/achieved enough,” and after several deeply challenging years, the sentiment seems like a fitting note to launch Well+Good’s 2022 Mental Well-Being Challenge.

    If you feel like you’re well overdue for a month of mental wellness, data shows you’re not alone; many folks have a lot on their proverbial plates. The number of people working multiple jobs has steadily risen over the last two years, PTO was left untouched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many parents have opted to become their children’s full-time teachers. And close to two-thirds of adults say that their lives have been forever changed by the pandemic, per the American Psychological Association (APA).

    It’s fair to say that we’re all in various stages of tending to our wounds and our wounded, which is perhaps why Cargle’s hashtag, #andthatwasenough, feels especially powerful.

    That’s why, this Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re taking it back to the basics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

    Let’s break that down, shall we? The four categories of mental health are:

    • Trusting in one’s own abilities
    • Coping with stress
    • Working productively and fruitfully
    • Contributing to community

    Over the next 31 days, you’ll have the opportunity to try expert-backed mental health practices that fall in these four categories. Maybe you do all 31; maybe you’ll just do one a week. Whatever! Pick what schedule feels right to you and try sticking with it. If all goes well, at the end of May, you’ll  have a few new tools in your mental health toolkit. Ready?

    Day 1: Make a “small wins” list

    Major life milestones (promotions! babies! escrow!) don’t come along every day—and that’s why celebrating the small stuff is worthwhile. As clinical psychologist Sophie Mort, PhD (who goes by “Dr. Soph”), previously told Well+Good, it’s time we start celebrating when we make a really delicious lunch, take a midday walk break, or fold the laundry the same day we do it. “We’re [always] going for bigger, bigger, bigger,” she said. “The small win is the thing that can give us those small boosts throughout the day. They’re the things that are often linked to our values, roles, and our goals.”

    Call to action: Celebrate three small wins today. (Reminder: No win is too small.)

    Day 2: Move for 5 minutes

    When it comes to hitting the reset button on your mood, exercise endorphins can’t be beat. “Making time to regularly work out is an important long-term strategy for stress prevention and management,” said Natalie Dattilo, PhD, director of psychology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry and a member of the American Psychological Association (APA).

    Despite the proliferation of the “harder, better, faster, stronger” workout mentality, you don’t need to move for an hour to incite a major mood boost. Turn on your favorite song and dance it out in your kitchen, jog around the block, move through a simple yoga flow, or do some push-ups to get your heart rate up.

    Call to action: Set a five-minute timer and move intuitively until it goes off.

    Not sure what to do? Try this full-body workout on for size:

    

    Day 3: Look back at last month’s spending

    Reviewing last month’s expenses may not scream mental health to you, but it can help you foster trust with yourself and mitigate (at least some of) the stress you feel about money. “One of the best ways to start to get a handle on your finances is to look back at how you’ve been spending money. That way, you can get a sense of things you might be able to cut back on and shift,” says Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet. 

    If you have no idea what you’re spending on, you’re probably not putting your money where your values lie. Auditing your transactions is the first step in coming into alignment with your income, which can be such an empowering experience.

    One of the simplest ways to access your money rundown is by subscribing to a fintech app that suits your money style. Well+Good Trends Advisor Dani Pascarella, CFP, founder of the financial wellness platform OneEleven, said it best. “I see new fintech as handling the third point of the wellness trifecta: First, you have physical health, and that’s been in motion for a while with fitness apps; then, you have mental health, which has been having its app moment, too; and now, financial health is emerging in the tech space,” she told Well+Good.

    Call to action: Use a budgeting app or your bank or credit card statements to review last month’s spending. What categories required the most money? (Rent? Eating out? Entertainment?) Don’t take action yet, though; we’ll circle back to this on day seven.

    Day 4: Step out of your comfort zone

    Psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD, is a big fan of leaving your comfort zone in the dust and engaging in some “type two fun.” This is the outdoor lover’s term for something that’s not necessarily fun in the moment, but brings you great joy and satisfaction later on.

    “We have this natural desire to create a narrative arc of our lives and the meaning that we bring to the world, and overcoming challenges helps us do that,” said behavioral scientist Brooke Struck, PhD, research director at The Decision Lab. “Challenge is the site of growth, and growth helps define who we are as people.”

    Sure, this could looking like running a marathon or taking on a hike with several thousand feet of elevation. Or, it could be as simple as running a whole mile without stopping or weathering a new workout class that makes you use your body in a different way. Take a walk on the wild side (but stay safe, please).

    Call to action: Locate your comfort zone. Take a detour.

    Day 5: Reach out to a friend

    This tip is simple, but powerful (particularly in the wake of a pandemic). Grab your phone and text or call a pal. “Social isolation often creates a feedback loop leading to depression and loneliness, making it even harder to get the motivation to connect with others,” said co-founder and chief clinical officer at Frame, Sage Grazer, LCSW. “It’s important to disrupt the cycle and reach out to a friend, even when you don’t feel like doing it.”

    Call to action: Humans are social creatures, so go ahead: Drop a line.

    Day 6: Enjoy dessert with all 5 of your senses

    “Some people never stop to think about what they enjoy. Your five senses can help you to re-activate your pleasure centers,” says Dr. Datillo. “Taking time to really taste your food has been shown to have great benefits in stress reduction. It’s another form of meditation.” This present approach to eating is one of the major principles of intuitive eating, and it can apply to any dessert you love.

    Call to action: Really think about what dessert sounds good to you in this moment. Peanut butter brownies? Gummy worms? Ice cream? Pick something that sounds amazing and pay close attention to each bite.

    How about a lemon bar?

    

    Day 7: Set some money goals

    Remember that spending deep dive we did earlier this week? Well, it’s time to translate all that data into goals. “Setting money goals for yourself can give you inspiration and help keep your everyday spending on track,” says Palmer.

    Today, pick two goals, max. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed or strapped when it comes time to follow through.

    For example, if you want to start saving up to, let’s say, take a three-month sabbatical, maybe you pledge to put away $500 each month or some percentage of your income that feels safe to set aside. Alternatively, maybe you just want to spend less money eating out (same). In that case, you could limit yourself to shelling out $X restaurant money per month.

    If you’re not sure where to start with this, those fintech apps we mentioned earlier offer expert advice for putting your money to work.

    Call to action: Set one to two concrete, actionable money goals.

    Day 8: Make a to-do list for your day or week

    Grab your colored pens and list out everything you want to check off this week. “The human brain can only manage holding a certain number of pieces of information at once,” said Dr. Soph. “The moment we write it down, we give our brain a break. We’re not holding everything in mind.” Basically, a to-do list is like a giant exhale for your mind.

    If your list starts to feel overwhelming, try ordering it from most urgent to least urgent, breaking it into categories, and marking what can wait until next week. Since this is the first day of this week, you have a ton of time to get it all done and, hey, now it’s not taking up space in your brain.

    Call to action: Turn on your favorite playlist and make a list, fam.

    Day 9: Pledge to stop using stigmatizing language

    It’s a well-researched fact that language and mental health are intertwined. So if you find yourself using stigmatizing language, like “crazy” and “insane,” consider self-editing so your words become kinder and more inclusive. “I think the words we choose reflect more on us. If the goal is to feel better about ourselves, how we communicate and what we say matters,” said Dr. Dattilo.

    According to the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, you can start using kinder language by simply asking people what mental health terms they prefer, or setting an example by being upfront about how you expect other folks to talk about your mental well-being.

    Call to action: Start to filter stigmatizing language out of your vocabulary.

    Day 10: Break out the crayons and color

    Art supplies gathering dust? It’s time to break out the colored pencils, crayons, pastels, and markers so you can make a masterpiece. “When you concentrate on one thing, whether it’s coloring, breathing, music, exercise, lighting a candle, or guided imagery, it’s a form of meditation,” says Dr. Datillo.

    In this case, that “one thing” may be a self-portrait, a stunning rendition of your dog, or some free-form doodles. No matter how it turns out, you’ll be reaping the mental health benefits of creating art, which include relieving stress, loosening the grip of depression, and coping with difficult life events like divorce or death.

    Call to action: Paint. Sketch. Collage. Do you.

    Day 11: Identify your coping style

    The APA defines coping as “the use of cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage the demands of a situation when these are appraised as taxing or exceeding one’s resources or to reduce the negative emotions and conflict caused by stress.” Our coping mechanisms start from a very young age, according to Dr. Soph, and it’s good to be aware of them so we can identify when we’re leaning on unhelpful forms, and when we’ve found more helpful alternatives.

    There are three major coping styles: problem-solving coping, emotional coping, and avoidance coping. Here’s the deal with each:

    • Problem-solving-focused coping: This coping style is solutions-driven. When a problem crops up (like a high credit card bill), they strategize about how to keep the same problem from reoccurring in the future (like creating a budget).
    • Emotional coping: Emotional copers take stock of what they can’t control and seek positive emotions in the things they can. This may look like calling up a friend, signing up for a yoga class, or taking a relaxing bath.
    • Avoidance coping: This type of coping should be avoided, when possible, and involves creating harmful habits that are ultimately different forms of self blame.

    Call to action: Identify your coping style and practice being aware when you’re using it.

    Day 12: Create process-based goals instead of outcome-based goals

    Gala Jackson, director of coaching and lead executive career coach at Ellevest, wants you to shift your mindset when it comes to setting goals at work. “For example, a common outcome-based goal when you’re searching for a job is, ‘I want to be in a new role within three months.’ While that’s a reasonable goal, it’s ultimately outside of your control. A better goal, a process-based goal, would be, ‘I will dedicate 45 minutes to my job search every day for the next 90 days,’” she says.

    That way, you’re focusing on a goal that’s 100 percent in your control, and making a habit along the way. Bam.

    Call to action: Make one process-based goal.

    Day 13: Create a shared digital photo album with your friends

    Revisit your memories with a digital photo album featuring your besties, pets, and family. “This gives you an opportunity to say, ‘Do you remember that thing?!’ It creates these really normal moments where you’re connecting to important parts of your identity, and getting those lovely oxytocin boosts that you do when you make a connection with a friend,” said Dr. Soph.

    Plus, it’s a really good way to remind yourself that you have a community of people who love you. Every time you look down at your phone or tablet or Google Home, you’ll experience a little burst of “those are my people!”

    Call to action: Make a digital photo album using Apple Photos or Google Photos.

    Day 14: Pick one small space of your home to clean

    Wrap up week two by cleaning one (small) space. Cluttered spaces have been shown to increase the stress hormone cortisol and trigger negative coping strategies, so it’s worthwhile to take a moment and clean your space.

    You don’t need to tackle an entire room; instead, pick a small area like your desk or your underwear drawer and organize it to your heart’s desire. “We should always break tasks down into smaller parts,” said Dr. Soph. “When I think about cleaning the whole house I feel overwhelmed and immediately put it off for next week, or to a time when I can do it in one go. When I think about cleaning one area, the tension in my brain decreases. It feels manageable, and I can be realistic about getting it done today.”

    Call to action: Take satisfaction in cleaning one small space.

    Day 15: Find your “anchors of normality”

    Even though things are starting to feel a little bit more “normal” after two years of uncertainty, it’s possible that you still feel out of place. Maybe you’re returning to in-office work and it doesn’t feel natural, or the government’s decision to roll back mask mandates on public transportation is making you feel nervous.

    In times like these, Dr. Soph is a huge advocate of finding four ordinary actions you can latch onto, and letting them be your “anchors of normality.” “Our lives has been tipped upside down. Everything that’s happening around us is creating a sense of uncertainty, which is activating our survival response,” she says. “When the brain is in survival mode, and it’s panicking about what’s happening, it’s looking for anything it knows so that it can go: ‘Okay, maybe it’s not as bad as I thought.’”

    You can give your brain some much-needed reassurance with simple actions like going for a morning walk or using a face cream that smells and feels amazing. Choose four easy rituals and stick to them.

    Call to action: Choose four “anchors of normality.” Write them down and put them somewhere visible, like in your planner or on your fridge.

    >Day 16: Set realistic expectations for yourself at work

    It’s easy to set high expectations of yourself at work. Maybe you want to earn a promotion, lead a high-profile project, or take on expanding responsibilities. (Maybe, you want to do it all at once.) The problem? There’s only so much you have to give to your work, and that’s why Jackson is a strong proponent of choosing realistic—not ambitious—work goals.

    “Be very honest with yourself about what you can accomplish in a day. And know that ‘no’ isn’t a bad word, and it’s not a bad thing. I think it’s worse when we say yes and then we don’t show up and deliver. Remember that saying no can honor your time, of course, but someone else’s time, too,” she says. Apart from saying no, setting a realistic expectation may mean giving yourself a few extra days for a deadline, or turning down an opportunity that might be “huge” for your career, but just isn’t right for you in this moment.

    Take heart that you’re also setting a great example of boundary-setting for those around you. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll starting feeling empowered to do the same.

    Call to action: Today, be aware of how much you’re asking of yourself while you’re on the clock. Can you turn an unrealistic expectation into a realistic one so you feel fulfilled at the end of the day?

    Day 17: Fix something that’s been bugging you

    You know that crooked painting in your office you’ve “been meaning to” straighten or that doctor’s appointment you’ve “been meaning to” book for months? Today’s the day! You’re finally going to check this off your list. By taking care of this one, teensy-tiny thing, you’re clearing out a little bit of space in your brain. If you do one mini-project and feel empowered to take care of a few more lingering to-dos, opt for choosing no more than three for today. Then let the satisfaction pour over you.

    Call to action: Do the thing you’ve been meaning to do forever.

    Day 18: Make an “eco-map” of your social resources

    Summon your inner-cartographer and create a visual “map” of your most important relationships. Nurses are often use this technique, called eco-mapping,” to track their patient’s care networks—and you can use it to visualize your own inner-circle.

    To start, draw a little stick figure of yourself, then add anyone you live with—your dog, your close friends, your family, and anyone else you’re glad to have in your orbit. (Bonus points if you also reach out to a couple of these people and tell them how grateful you are that they’re part of your eco-map.)

    Call to action: Make your eco-map.

    Day 19: Build a personal board of directors

    You don’t have to be a CEO to have a board of directors, friends. When you’re on the brink of a major life change, it helps to have a few people in your corner who can listen and provide advice.

    These pivotal moments are great times to tap your personal board of directors, or people you trust with your capital “b” Big decisions, says Jackson. “Think of it as a team of mentors and sponsors who would be there for you if you wanted to chat through a potential job change, or a career risk, or another big decision. They can cheer you on and tell you how awesome you are, but also help you see things from an outside perspective. And maybe advocate for you if they get the chance,” she says.

    Relocate your eco-map from yesterday and decide if any of those folks would make a good addition to your board. Maybe you worked with someone a couple years back who has been your cheerleader in the professional world, or you’re still in touch with a childhood friend who has a 360-degree, lifelong view of your hopes and dreams.

    And don’t forget to pay it forward: Think of who might put you on their board, and how you can help them out.

    Call to action: Identify three to five people who you want to sit on your very own personal board of directors.

    Day 20: Get your hands dirty

    Science shows that gardening boosts your mental health, and you can reap the benefits whether you have a massive yard or three hours of sunlight per day in your tiny apartment.

    Like many activities we do with our hands, gardening has a meditative quality that stills the mind. “We often think that to meditate we must be still and in complete quiet, learning to let go of our thoughts out of that basic type of meditation. We’ve had other things evolve, such as guided meditation and what I call moving meditation,” said Carla Manly, PhD. “When we are involved in something like gardening, we are very much able to, in the meditative sense, let go of our thoughts and be focused in the moment on what we are doing.”

    Making plant friends offers short-term and long-term satisfaction because you get to watch your little plant babies sprout, outgrow their pots, and maybe even bear fruit. But if you’re really just not up for the responsibility of taking care of an indoor jungle, just buy yourself a little bouquet of flowers. One small study showed that even just looking at blooms can make you feel more relaxed.

    Call to action: Buy one, easy-to-care-for plant or a bouquet of flowers today.

    Day 21: Expand your recreational horizons

    You know what brings you joy, but when was the last time you tried a new hobby? “We know that hobbies promote good mental health. And, in part, it’s because hobbies are often creative. They get you out of your head—where your to-do list and other stressful thoughts might dominate—and into something new that doesn’t often have any pressure,” said Dr. Soph.

    If you normally get your kicks by going to bookstores, heading to the beach, or going on a bike ride, try something new like bullet journaling or skateboarding. This recreational activity doesn’t necessarily have to stick around forever; just give it a shot and see if it cracks open something new inside of you.

    Call to action: Try a new hobby and see if it’s worthy of becoming a habit.

    Day 22: Face your stressors with the “Emotional Freedom Technique” (EFT)

    Sometimes you don’t have time (or the budget) to book an acupuncture session or a full-body massage, and that’s why learning EFT can be so transformative. EFT involves tapping on specific acupressure points along your face, torso, and hands to reduce stress and reconnect with your body. It’s a great practice to return to in times when you’re feeling worried, anxious, angry, or disconnected from your physical self. Try it out for yourself today with this 30-second technique from Reiki master Kelsey Patel.

    Call to action: Identify a moment when you’re feeling stress or worried and try EFT.

    Day 23: Say an affirmation

    “Affirmations activate the areas in your brain that make you feel positive and happy. Specifically, it activates the reward centers in the brain—the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the ventral striatum,” said Columbia University faculty member Sanam Hafeez, PsyD.

    Apart from simply being soothing, affirmations can help you interrupt self-sabotaging thoughts, bring down your stress levels, and help you feel more optimistic towards your life in this moment. If you’re feeling creatively-stunted, self-affirmation can also help you get unstuck so you can start following your passions again.

    Call to action: Come up with an affirmation that feels helpful and calming for you right now.”I am healthy. I am safe,” is one good one.

    Day 24: Sign up for an online class with your friends

    Flex your brain muscle by hitting the books with a couple friends. Sites like Masterclass offer 101s on everything from creative writing to acting to cooking so you can start sharpening your skill set. “The beauty of doing any class is that we’re engaged, we’re learning, and we’re given a sense that we’re doing something,” Dr. Soph told Well+Good. “When we do that with people, the benefits are two-fold. Afterward, you have something to talk about.”

    At the end, you’ll walk away with a brand-new skill and a closer connection with the people you love. Win, win.

    Call to action: Grab your pals and sign up for an online class

    Day 25: Ask for help

    Take a moment and think about the last time you uttered the phrase “I need help.” When you’re constantly asking your boss for feedback and input, it can feel like you’re bugging them, but in most instances, this just isn’t the case. Fledgling research shows that those who ask for advice and backup are perceived as hard-working team players, so being willing to admit what you don’t know is actually an advantage.

    “Coming to terms with your own limits can be an emotional experience, but it does come with a bonus perk: the relief that comes from admitting that you, your team, and your boss are not robots,” says Jackson, who has a game plan for deciding what tasks to bring to your next one-one-one with your manager. “Spend a few minutes identifying your work tasks and getting a sense of how much time you spend on them. Next, think about what time of day you work best and how much time you have free in your schedule. If your workload is too big for your schedule, it’s time to communicate that and ask for help prioritizing or delegating,” she says.

    Then, you’ll be able to huddle up with your team and make a plan for working well together.

    Call to action: Tap a coworker for help today.

    Day 26: Schedule in worry and dream time

    Pull up your Google Calendar and block out two, 10-minute increments—okay? Rather than slotting in a doctor’s appointment or a quick coffee break, we’re going to schedule time to worry and time to dream. “Worry time is amazing,” said Dr. Soph. “Most of us have this kind of free-floating anxiety. Our brains are negatively skewed, so worries arise all the time.” Labeling this little pocket of time as “worry time” will let you pour all your worries out at once so your brain has a little more square footage for better things.

    You can even seal the deal by imagining those worries in a container. “I envision a container, any container—a coffin, a box, a bag—and I actually envision where I want to place those worries,” said psychotherapist Lia Avellino at a Well+Good TALKS event from yesteryear. “[This really orients me] to the fact that it is my choice to revisit those worries.” Bury those worries.

    Meanwhile, you can schedule that dream time for late in the afternoon when you’re losing interest in your to-do list and itching for “closing time.” Write down or draw your wildest dreams, envision what you want for the future, and walk far away from that worry coffin.

    Call to action: Schedule and complete worry time and dream time.

    Day 27: Work smarter, not harder

    For far too long, we’ve measured our work like we measure baking ingredients. As in, eight cups of flour—er, hours of work—equals a day well spent. Really, says Jackson, we should be measuring our days by the quality of work we whipped up. (How does that cake taste?)

    “Get clear on how your work is being measured,” says Jackson. You can practice this motto on a small scale or a large scale. For example, you may decide that instead of finishing an entire project today, you’re going to make sure that one small piece of it goes above and beyond expectations.

    Or, try something a little more macro. “One of the best things that you can do is connect with your manager and team around key performance indicators, or KPIs. What does success look like? That way, you’ll know what’s most deserving of your time. And when it comes time to ask for a promotion, you’ll be able to pull out examples of how you’ve added value to the organization in each of those areas,” says Jackson.

    Call to action: Choose a different definition for “work success” today, one that relies on quality not quantity.

    Day 28: Donate to a community fridge

    According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 38 million people (including 12 million children) are food insecure in the United States. Community fridges are one way to make an impact on changing that statistic.

    “Community fridges are grassroots, collaborative initiatives centered on helping people meet their basic needs and bringing more awareness to food insecurity through creativity, team building, neighborhood participation, art, and placemaking,” Emma Hoffman, a member of Freedge, an international network of community fridges established in 2014, previously told Well+Good.

    Not only will this give you the connection that comes from helping a fellow human (which is really enough on its own), the kindness you can offer in the forms of canned goods and grains will also benefit your mental well-being. “Practicing kindness is an emotional regulation tool that helps us get out of our own heads and focus on someone else,” says Change Food founder and activist Diane Hatz.

    You can even start a community fridge in your zip code if there isn’t one nearby.

    Call to action: Pick a grocery spending budget that makes sense for you, go shopping, and donate to a community fridge. (One extra tip: Make sure to read up on your local fridge’s guidelines so you can ensure you’re buying things that can actually be donated.)

    Day 29: Do a “brain dump”

    You know that moment when you come home from a day full of errands and dump literally everything—groceries, prescriptions, phone, wallet, keys, jacket—on the ground? Today’s the day to do that same thing with your brain. Collect all your worries and dump them onto a scrap piece of paper.

    “When we ruminate or worry, our brains are inefficient. We spend a lot of time focusing on solving a problem that may not be solvable,” said Dr Datillo. Rather than penning these in a journal, she recommends recycling your brain dump at the end of the process, or if you’re in the mood for some drama, you could even burn it. That way, you’re symbolically letting go of the clutter in your mind.

    Okay, okay—so it’s not that easy to clean house in your head. But over time, maybe it will start to feel like your troubles have a more ephemeral life in your brain. And hey, that’s something.

    Call to action: Brain dump your worries onto a scrap piece of paper and let them go.

    Day 30: Create rest goals

    So often, our goals are active. We want to increase our fitness or step it up at work or get better at cooking. But what if rest goals are the new stretch goals? (Someone put that on a t-shirt.) In a world that’s constantly telling you to go, go, go, what if you stopped and cared for yourself first?

    According to Black Girl in Om founder Lauren Ash, this type of goal is particularly important for Black people (and Black women, in particular), who often bear the brunt of the world’s burdens. “We [Black women] need to give ourselves time to rest,” she said. “Sometimes this means literally taking a nap, sometimes this means getting eight hours of sleep. It means prioritizing yourself even when there is so much work to be done.”

    Take a moment to consider when you feel the most drained. Is it after work? On Sunday morning? Once you’ve dropped the kids off at school? Pull your calendar out and carve out time directly after the tiring event to fully rest in whatever way feels good to you. Maybe you go to yoga and lie savasana the whole time, or take the world’s longest bubble bath.

    Don’t forget that we’re setting goals here, so maybe decide how many hours a week you want to dedicate to rest or go ahead and book future restful activities like massages so those goals are basically carved in stone (or, okay, at least carved into your calendar).

    Call to action: Write down what activities are restful and rejuvenating for you. Carve out space in your calendar to do them.

    Day 31: Pick the practices you want to keep up all year

    You made it to the end of our mental well-being challenge! You have arrived, and even if you only check off one of the challenges on this list, you’ve taken a giant leap forward in caring for your brain and body. Now is the time to take stock of the last 30 days. What tips helped you the most, and what tips just aren’t a fit for you? Cogitate on that for a bit and decide what rituals are worth keeping for the other 11 months of the year.

    Call to action: Choose what activities are going to fit into your future mental health approach. (And remember to say Cargle’s words to yourself at the end of each day: “And that was enough.”)

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  • Health Care Leaders Address Bias and Inequity at Hamilton Retreat

    Health Care Leaders Address Bias and Inequity at Hamilton Retreat

    Addressing bias and ending inequities in healthcare begins with every of us looking in the mirror. That was information through the once-a-year Hamilton Retreat attended by more than 80 Hartford Hospital doctors, leaders and board members held nearly on April 7. The occasion incorporated a dialogue amongst contributors about the vital position health care gurus and overall health methods enjoy in leading meaningful and lasting improve.

    “We in healthcare know that we are aspect of this existence and loss of life predicament. We are listed here simply because we are part of a health process. And we have decades of studies that reveal unequivocally the effects of bias on life, on care, on outcomes and high quality,” said Javeed Sukhera, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Chief of Psychiatry, Institute of Residing & Chief of Psychiatry, Hartford Clinic. “Where do we go from here? We have to think about breaking that cycle of fear, labeling, avoidance and helplessness. We will need to convert to courage. We require to split the cycle by breaking the silence.”

    Hartford Health care President and CEO Jeffrey Flaks has initiated a 14-stage system to address bias and well being equity throughout Hartford Health care, which contains the development of diversity councils and colleague resource groups, implicit bias training, amplified initiatives to recruit individuals of shade into management roles and the growth of our wellbeing fairness applications. Flaks states that our health technique now has a mandate to make significant modify.

    “We are building excellent development in addressing diversity, inclusion and fairness on the governance and management stages. We are becoming additional reflective of the communities we serve. And, it’s crucial that we do so,” stated Flaks. “We’re pleased [with this progress] but we aren’t contented.”

    The Hamilton Retreat, created by previous Clinic President Dr. T Stewart Hamilton adhering to the tragic fireplace at the medical center in 1961, is an annual gathering of Hartford Healthcare facility healthcare employees, board customers and clinic leaders to focus on what issues most to our clinic and community—“a neighborhood of fascination and a typical purpose,” as Dr. Hamilton referred to it.

    “The pandemic has added an even greater level of urgency in our attempts to deal with areas these as racial inequities in health care and the want for enhanced access to our most susceptible populations,” claimed Hartford Region President Bimal Patel.

    Hartford Location Board of Administrators Chair Alexia Cruz spoke about the relevance of owning a healthcare facility and board that is agent of the neighborhood.

    “And as we supply on our latest value, ‘Equity’, we ought to also search in the mirror as a hospital and overall health procedure. This signifies possessing a health-related team that is fully committed and having a health-related workers that is also consultant of our group,” stated Cruz. “I can convey to by your existence listed here today that you are engaged and prepared to enable us guide these crucial variations and be certain that all of our patients are receiving the care they need to have and are entitled to.”

    Dr. Sukhera was joined by Sarah Lewis, MPH, Hartford Health care Vice President of Wellness, Fairness and Inclusion in providing the keynote presentation at the digital party referred to as “Bias in the Mirror.” Lewis said making use of Hartford HealthCare’s H3W behaviors is a good basis to make significant alter.

    “If we create equity into every thing we do, we can make a modify. Fairness lives in [Hartford HealthCare’s] values. We have to see this as collective operate, do the job that we’re undertaking alongside one another to assist all of us,” said Lewis.

    Hartford Area Vice President of Professional medical Affairs Adam Steinberg, DO, MBA, FACOG, FACS identified as on leaders to seize the minute to initiate improve.

    “As doctors and leaders we are in the historic place to make modifications that will renovate how care is shipped to individuals who have to have it most, in our most at chance communities. And we are in a posture to ensure that our treatment groups, our team, our suppliers are a improved illustration of the communities we serve. This commences with us addressing and conquering these inherent biases,” mentioned Steinberg.


  • Two Laredo health leaders discuss issue of obesity

    Two Laredo health leaders discuss issue of obesity

    Obesity has very long been a issue in the South Texas area. And two of the primary wellbeing officers in the region not long ago delved into the problem of obesity and said how it is a really serious challenge for a neighborhood just coming out of a pandemic.

    As COVID-19 difficulties are associated to high obesity figures, these officers condition that obesity is a big dilemma in the community and that far more instruction and actual physical action possibilities ought to be presented to relieve the challenge. 

    “Obesity is a community overall health precedence. Charges of chubby and obesity proceed to mature in grown ups and little ones,” City of Laredo Health and fitness Director Dr. Richard A. Chamberlain mentioned. “Collectively, 33{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of the grownup population of Laredo and Webb County fulfill the definition of obesity, and a further more 38{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} are at-risk of developing weight problems.”

    Chamberlain states that the statistics stem from facts gathered by the Texas Healthcare Association. The City of Laredo Wellness Authority Dr. Victor Treviño also seems the alarm that the situation of obesity is a “significant concern” in the neighborhood owing to the many health problems and disorders that are related with the well being make a difference. 

    Trevino states that some of the problems that obesity bring about contain diabetic issues, hypertension, arthritis, fatty liver and other people that result in troubles for the heart and other significant organs in the entire body.


    Trevino states that the reason the challenge is so grave is for the reason that there are lots of components that proceed to lead in the group to very good nutrition and schooling about dietary foods. And several social variables also add to the problem. 

    “The troubles bordering obesity encompass lots of factors from diet program, physical exercise, much healthier food accessibility and education and learning on more healthy choices,” Trevino mentioned. 

    “The weight problems traits keep on to increase because of to socioeconomic disparities, foods insecurity and variances in cultural beliefs and tactics. Being familiar with our cultural community, a broad vast majority of the population lacks intake of fruits and greens as effectively as obtain to healthy food items. Additionally, there is a lack of physical activity amongst kids and adults in our neighborhood.”

    The health authority states that weight problems was one of the key factors that contributed to a substantial quantity of hospitalizations, serious health problems and even fatalities in the group in regards to COVID, as these people are likely to have less healthful bodies.

    “As we observed in the hospitals, the most vital situations associated people that were obese or experienced diabetic issues, hypertension and being overweight-relevant situations,” Trevino stated. 

    Chamberlain states that the problem with acquiring a higher weight problems inhabitants is that a higher quantity of individuals with uncontrolled chronic illness can potentially pressure community medical center establishments. At some point, this brings about for there to be fewer home for other people today with other ailments and likely even for healthcare prices to rise as effectively. 

    Trevino states that going through weight problems and hoping to reside a much healthier way of living is unquestionably a superior remedy to the dilemma, as healthier people have a tendency to have much more nutritious elements and a superior immune system that responds effectively to health problems.

    “Maintaining a nutritious life style makes it possible for the prospect for people to recover from illness quicker and perhaps stay away from hospitalization altogether,” Trevino explained. “An unhealthy life style above time will consequence in additional morbidity and/or mortality.”

    Chamberlain states that advertising and marketing an lively way of life by enhancing accessibility and crafted environments that support lively dwelling are the principal way to struggle of this significant difficulty in the group. 

    The wellness director also states that much more of the local community should really partake in disorder self-administration courses and to enhance and put to use diet and diet program training. All of these aspects mix can support adjust the tide on how Laredoans try to eat, and how they can stay greater more healthy life. 

    “We carry on to urge the community to maintain balanced lifestyle behavior, visit with their well being care suppliers for a schedule checkup, pick out healthier food stuff alternate options and engage in typical actual physical exercise,” Chamberlain said. 

  • NC leaders talk COVID exit strategy, mental health need

    NC leaders talk COVID exit strategy, mental health need


    By Anne Blythe and Elizabeth Thompson

    Though many North Carolinians are ready to say so long to the COVID pandemic, Kody Kinsley, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services told lawmakers Tuesday that the state is getting closer to that point but it’s not quite there.

    Lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services encouraged Kinsley and his team to develop an exit strategy.

    “There are a number of states now that are doing that,” said Rep. Donnie Lambeth (R-Winston-Salem) and committee co-chair. “I think we need to begin to look to that future. It could be very quickly, as things are changing, but I think people need to have some hope at the end of this tunnel.”

    During a three-hour meeting on Tuesday, Kinsley went before lawmakers on the powerful health care commission for the first time since becoming head of the 18,000-employee agency in charge of improving the health and well-being of the state. The discussion was wide-ranging, highlighting the diversity of tasks under the DHHS umbrella.

    They couldn’t escape talking about the pandemic, though. COVID-19 has thrown curveball after curveball for the past couple of years. 

    In the summer of 2021, it seemed as if the other side of the pandemic was near. Vaccines were accessible, offering protection and case counts were dropping. The number of people in hospitals with illness related to COVID had dropped to 336, but then the Delta variant caused a surge in late summer. Then late last year, Omicron hit hard.

    The highly transmissible variant moved quickly across the state, sending case numbers and hospitalizations to record highs.

    Kinsley has had to seek help from the federal government for two health care systems battling depleted workforces as Omicron surged.

    Case rates peaked on Jan. 19, Kinsley said, and the number of people in hospitals with COVID-related illness hit a high mark on Jan. 26 at 5,206.

    “So I am excited to see that we’ve had a bit over two weeks of a very good decline in our hospitals,” Kinsley said. “Of course, our numbers remain relatively high.”

    On Tuesday, there were 3,142 people hospitalized with COVID-related illness, according to the DHHS dashboard, and 562 were in intensive care units. Meanwhile, North Carolina has received limited supplies of monoclonal antibodies, Kinsley said, but nowhere near as much as he would like to see.

    Lambeth encouraged Kinsley and his staff to begin to think about COVID similarly to the flu, a seasonal virus in which a vaccine is needed each year.

    “It has been a tough two years and I think as we start thinking about life after the pandemic … it’s not going to go away,” Lambeth said. “I think you ought to start developing that strategy and start talking about that in your news conferences.”

    Kinsley and his team outlined many issues that they’ll wrestle with as they look beyond the pandemic. The future promises nursing and other health care worker shortages if changes aren’t made, he said.

    They also expect behavioral health challenges and more people in need of substance use disorder treatment.

    Making mental and behavioral health priorities

    As many states across the country look forward to exiting the pandemic, the toll the past two years have had on everyone’s mental health is something the state wants to be ready to deal with, DHHS officials said Tuesday.

    Since the pandemic hit North Carolina, the state has seen a 40 percent increase in adults who have reported symptoms of a mental health issue, said Deepa Avula, director of the division of mental health at DHHS.

    “We are in a crisis situation,” Avula said. “So we have to act now to respond to that crisis.”

    DHHS plans to address the critical need for behavioral health resources by creating an “array of services” outside of law enforcement and emergency departments, Avula said — providing support for every step of the way for an individual in mental health crisis, whether it be early intervention or recovery support. 

    Starting in July, the Suicide Prevention Hotline will be more accessible to all Americans, who will simply have to dial the three-digit number 988 for help. North Carolina also has a regional call center, mobile crisis team, crisis stabilization facilities and a real-time bed registry to identify open beds in hospitals.

    The mental health crisis has had a disproportionate impact on the justice-involved population. Sixty percent of incarcerated people reported that they have had symptoms of a mental health disorder in the past 12 months, according to DHHS. However, staff said 83 percent of incarcerated people with mental illness didn’t receive treatment.

    DHHS is working on early diversion models to prevent people from entering the justice system, such as Drug Education School for people arrested on first-time drug offenses, Avula said. For those who are incarcerated, DHHS is working on increasing access to treatment and expanding reentry efforts.

    Evidence-based reentry resources have proven key for formerly incarcerated people reentering society, research shows, but there usually isn’t enough support to meet the need in North Carolina, NC Health News previously reported.

    Responding to the opioid epidemic

    The opioid epidemic has festered as the state has rushed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Even after years of working on battling the opioid epidemic we have lost considerable traction in that fight,” Kinsley said.

    Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin), who represents a swath of land in the westernmost corner of the state, said that substance use disorder is a problem that plagues his district’s sheriffs. When asked how crime would be impacted by effectively eliminating substance use disorder, Corbin said sheriffs consistently said 80 to 90 percent of crime would disappear.

    “We’re terribly underserved in the state with mental health as far as behavioral, as far as substance abuse disorder,” Corbin said.

    NC DHHS Sec. Kody Kinsley is interviewed after Joint Legislative Committee on Health and Human Services. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Thompson

    DHHS has been working on increasing access to Medication-assisted Treatment programs for opioid use disorder, with a focus on rural and underserved areas, such as jails and prisons and on tribal lands. Since 2020, opioid treatment programs have seen a 22 percent increase in unique patients served, according to DHHS.

    After speaking with law enforcement across the state, Kinsley said he’s heard one thing repeatedly — “we’re not going to arrest ourselves out of this problem.”

    Federal money allocated for opioid use disorder can help connect people to medication-assisted treatment, Kinsley said, but recovery requires more — access to dental care, housing and employment are all vital to helping people recover.

    Medicaid expansion?

    “For me, there is a no-brainer opportunity here which is expanding Medicaid, providing coverage support for these individuals,” Kinsley said.

    North Carolina is one of 12 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid, which has been an option on the table since 2013. If the state were to expand the program, more than 500,000 low-income North Carolinians would have access to health insurance. 

    Though Republicans leading the General Assembly had been staunchly against expansion of the state’s Medicaid program for much of the past decade, Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden)  announced late last year that he had warmed to the idea.

    Since then, House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) announced the creation of a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Access to Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion. The first meeting is Friday.

    “Our committee will explore and seek solutions to critical health care issues with the goals of broadening access to quality health care for working people, lowering health insurance premiums for everyone, addressing the cost of uncompensated care especially for rural hospitals, and providing more affordable health care options to help small businesses retain employees,” Lambeth, the Winston-Salem Republican tapped as co-chairman of the committee, said in January.

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  • Colorado COVID update: Health leaders provide update on virus

    Colorado COVID update: Health leaders provide update on virus

    The state’s positivity charge is just down below 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, down from a higher of about 29{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} just a number of months in the past, according to point out information.

    COLORADO, United states of america — Condition overall health leaders expressed optimism Thursday as they continue to see improvements in all parts of vital details associated to COVID-19 in the point out.

    “The 7-day moving normal quantity of situations has been averaging all over 3,000 for the very last handful of days and this is underneath the regular we saw in each or November and December 2021 waves so undoubtedly continuing to see fantastic development,” claimed state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy.

    In January, the omicron variant led to a substantial spike in scenarios, now case figures continue to be higher, but “important progress” is remaining produced, according to Herlihy. The positivity rate is also just beneath 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} which is perfectly below the peak of about 29{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} just a couple weeks in the past. The purpose is still to be at or under 5{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} positivity.

    That number fell underneath 1,000 this week and as of Wednesday, the Colorado Office of Public Well being and Atmosphere (CDPHE) reported 861 confirmed COVID patients statewide. A further 59 instances are less than investigation for achievable COVID-19 an infection.

    Herlihy claimed, “800 Coloradans being in the hospital proper now is not for our suitable point out for COVID-19. We might certainly like that amount to come down rather a little bit. I believe this also reinforces vaccinating and the concept now about the importance of booster does.”

    https://www.youtube.com/observe?v=bs-8ahsycFE

    Related: Colorado COVID hospitalizations fall underneath 1,000

    Besides a temporary dip in late December, hospitalizations haven’t stayed beneath 1,000, consistently, considering that early Oct. In late drop and early winter, hospitalizations climbed and healthcare facility capability strike an all-time minimal throughout the pandemic.

    Whilst there is a large amount of great information, leaders cautioned that COVID-19 has been unpredictable and they’re looking forward at what doable techniques could possibly be wanted in the months forward.

    “Wondering about what may well be required once again into the slide and into the winter season if there is evidence of waning immunity and maybe a need to have for additional pictures to keep people today up to day on their vaccination,’ stated COVID-19 incident commander Scott Bookman.

    He mentioned proper now we’re in a place with a superior degree of immunity to the virus but arrive fall the circumstance could possibly be different and as a result measures and tips may need to have to alter.

    &#13

    Vaccinations

    Vaccines and boosters are the most crucial resource offered for combating the virus, according to health leaders, who mentioned Thursday about 24{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of those eligible for boosters in Colorado have still to receive that extra dose.

    COVID-19 Incident commander Scott Bookman stressed the relevance of people boosters by demonstrating that details that implies those who get it are 12 instances fewer like to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 56 periods much less probably to die from it.

    Pfizer’s specific vaccine for young children 5 and less than could be obtainable as early as later on this thirty day period and point out leaders reported they are planning for that chance.

    “We are functioning with all of our companies to motivate them to buy this quite particular vaccine for this age team,” stated Bookman. “Now just about everybody will be ready to get this vaccine.”

    It could be accessible as early as Feb. 21 if unexpected emergency use authorization is granted.

    Similar: Wearing masks in Colorado: What you require to know as orders end in some parts of the condition

    &#13

    Screening

    State leaders also supplied a reminder about free test kits that are readily available by way of the state and are directly mailed to you. So far, extra than 2 million assessments have been dispersed and at this time each order is made up of two fast at-dwelling COVID-19 tests.

    Click on in this article for far more info or to purchase tests

    Bookman inspired persons to use those people checks if they sense sick or if they have experienced a recognized exposure to COVID-19.

    As new cases have dropped and lots of mask mandates all-around the Denver metro place have been authorized to expire, but leaders inspire people to nonetheless use them indoors no matter whether or not a mandate is in location.

    Recommended Movies: COVID-19 Coronavirus 

    https://www.youtube.com/look at?v=videoseries

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  • New Mexico health leaders discuss COVID-19, omicron trends

    New Mexico health leaders discuss COVID-19, omicron trends

    NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Though New Mexico wellness leaders continue to be encouraged about a decreasing selection of new COVID-19 scenarios, the state’s mask mandate will continue being in location for the foreseeable future. The update arrived Wednesday throughout the state’s standard weekly COVID-19 briefing.

    New Mexico Office of Wellbeing Performing Secretary Dr. David Scrase stated although he is continuing to experience “optimistic” about the decrease in the amount of new instances, the state is nonetheless anxious about the force hospitals are facing. That was a person of the key aspects highlighted Wednesday amid news of numerous other states positioning expiration dates on their mask mandates, which includes Oregon, New York, California, Massachusetts and other individuals.

    “We really do not genuinely make decisions in New Mexico, for New Mexicans based on what other people today are undertaking in other states, we use our very own data,” Dr. Scrase said. “The preponderance of proof I think is extremely clear that masks get the job done to prevent the spread of condition, and I imagine when issues awesome down in the healthcare facility, we’re organizing on rescinding the mask buy.”

    New York state officers introduced it would carry mask orders on Wednesday. California is expected to lift its mask mandate by February 15, followed by Connecticut and Massachusetts which set a February 28 conclusion day for their respective mask mandates. Delaware and Oregon are expected to conclude their mask mandates by the conclude of March, though New Jersey is envisioned to end its mandate on March 7.

    “When folks talk about their requires to end the mask mandate, I believe … that form of way of thinking genuinely fully excludes the encounter of our hospitals in the state, who’ve been in crisis fundamentally for 6 months now,” Dr. Scrase explained. “They’re [hospitals,] sending [me] emails indicating, ‘please go on it, no matter what we do, for the reason that we merely can’t have much more circumstances.’”

    Scrase introduced information Wednesday showing New Mexico’s for each-capita COVID situation price stands around 97 circumstances for each 100,000 people today. Which is about 3 occasions what New Jersey and Connecticut are at the moment averaging.

    “We have slightly bigger hospitalizations fees than most of the states [that have announced changes to mask mandates] nonetheless, we have a decrease variety of clinic beds,” Dr. Scrase mentioned. He also highlighted the variety of traveling nurses and health care personnel that remain doing the job in several hospitals around the state. This 7 days, New Mexico is having to pay for additional than 400 traveling healthcare employees, when two of the state’s largest health devices in Albuquerque have brought in an approximated “over 1,200” supplemental health care employees, in accordance to Scrase.

    “Believe me, no one wants to conclude [the mask mandate] a lot more than I do, but we have to use the science and we have to use the data we have for New Mexicans, and the details we have about masks as effectively,” Dr. Scrase said. Developed into the state’s recent community wellness buy, New Mexico’s mask mandate is currently slated to conclusion on March 4, 2022 if the health purchase expires with no getting renewed. There’s no sign, so far, if the condition will do that.

    New Mexico’s omicron-fueled circumstance surge which peaked in late January has now been in drop for all-around two weeks. In accordance to an NMDOH report released Monday, February 7, in the week from February 1 by 7, the state described 13,432 new COVID cases. That’s down from the prior week’s report, revealed January 31, which documented 26,844 new COVID 19 scenarios from January 25 through 31.

    An NMDOH report revealed Monday showed 370 folks have been admitted to New Mexico hospitals for COVID-19 between February 1 as a result of 7. That’s down from 430 individuals reportedly admitted to New Mexico hospitals for COVID-19 between January 25 and 31.

    Meanwhile, the state’s health and fitness details indicates the omicron variant is impacting far more little ones. Through Wednesday’s information meeting, Dr. Scrase mentioned although loss of life costs and hospitalizations are quite reduced in youngsters, the major pediatric age team with omicron currently stays young children aged 12 to 17 a long time outdated.

    “In young children, around 87{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of children are symptomatic now,” Dr. Scrase claimed. “They use to lag powering older people but now they have caught up with omicron.”