Life is filled with new beginnings. As you embark on the start of 4th quarter, choose optimism and hope for the future. Begin each day on a positive note. Not sure where to start? Check out this article about the power of positive affirmations and commit to use them in your life today. Article link: https://positivepsychology.com/daily-affirmations/

Can you believe it's been a year since our world changed? WOW. Take a moment to reflect on how much is different. And yet, in the midst of it all, here You are. You are amazing. Keep up the good work! For more information on how to continue to practice resilience, check out this article or refer to the 5 Tips to Help You Practice Resilience attachment shared here.

Change. It's hard. It's good. It's constant. Whatever your feelings are about the changes you face, you don't have to let them overcome or overpower you. Being aware of the changes around you is invaluable. Did you know that the use of regular meditation can help? Check out this video to learn more! And, if the thought of change causes anxiety in you, watch this short video to learn about the importance of balancing the changes in your life. Be encouraged. We can all learn to recognize when change is coming, practice healthy ways to respond to it and let it go.

Video #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZKqLcWdG-4

Video #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm1afmzVYFU&t=26s

Random Acts of Kindness week is February 14-20, 2021. Check out the attached list for some of the ways you can choose to spread kindness wherever you go. Don't be shy! There are more ideas online. Sharing kindness with others is mutually beneficial and makes the world a better place! #makekindnessthenorm #explorethegood #randomactsofkindnessday

Online link: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

Taking care of yourself is SO important! You've heard the phrase, "You can't pour from an empty cup", right? It's true. You matter. You're worth the time and effort. You deserve it. Listen in to this short video for simple ways to take care of yourself and make the commitment to get started today. 

Showing Up for Yourself

Though they're nearly adults and desire their own independence, our students still need to know that we're there for them and that we care about them. Unsure about what your student may be feeling or fearing in the midst of the pandemic? Listen in to this video and hear from teens about their thoughts, concerns, and worries as they cope. You may be surprised or encouraged by what they say. And, what better time to check in with your own student to learn more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDW7zJ_dK8I

What's the BIG deal about mindfulness, anyway? Mention of it seems to be everywhere. Is it really useful or just the newest trend? Check out this video to learn a little more about it and decide for yourself. Spoiler alert - it's accessible to everyone, easy to use, and can make a major difference in the way we respond to the events we encounter in life.

Mindfulness Youtube Link

The legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lives on and you can be a part! This year, consider a way in which you can help serve others in your community. Choose to partner with Americorps: (https://americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day) or another local organization and participate in the "MLK Day of Service" to make your world a better place!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the noise around you or inside of you? Let's start the week with a dose of mindfulness! Paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment will do a lot to improve our outlook. Did you know that practicing mindfulness has many benefits, to include improved immune functioning, increased happiness and optimism, improved sleep, greater focus and concentration, reduced anxiety and stress, and increased empathy and compassion toward others? Take a moment to practice this quick mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness Meditation) and consider what it might do for you. Have a great week!

Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety This Winter:
If you’re worried about how you’ll handle the coronavirus crisis once the days get shorter and temperatures drop, you’re not alone. But while winter might be a challenge this year, there are strategies you can use to cope with stress and keep spirits up — both yours and your kids.  See the linked flyer for great tips. 

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Stress This Winter

Mindful breathing can be a great way to take a break during the day and help reduce stress. This article provides information about mindful breathing as well as an 8 min guided mindful breathing exercise. Take a break between classes to listen to the guided exercise and allow the focus on breath can help reduce your stress levels.
https://www.mindful.org/a-mindful-breath-counting-practice-for-teens-and-tweens/

This is a time to reflect and acknowledge the things we are thankful for. Focusing on the small things in your life that you are grateful for can help reduce stress. There are many things outside our control right now that are causing us stress. Use this attached Gratitude Journal to record something you are grateful for each day. Gratitude Journal

We are all spending more time than ever sitting at our computers for work and school. Chair yoga is a good way to     take a break between classes and give yourself a brain break. All poses are gentle stretches done sitting in a chair and don't require any props. https://www.verywellfit.com/chair-yoga-poses-3567189

Counseling Corner: Meditation can help us deal with stressful times, but it can be hard to begin something new. While our phones can be a distraction in many situations, they can also be a useful resource to help reduce stress. This article lists 8 different meditation apps along with information about how they are set up. https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/meditation-apps-to-try-now

There is so much uncertainty during this time. How do you cope with it during this pandemic? These two you tube videos give you tips on how to cope with uncertainty and ways to help maintain your mental health.
Everything's Canceled: Coping Tips Straight from a Psychologist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT77fQ57IP4
5 Mental Health Tips to get through the Coronavirus (covid-19) Quarantine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqRh6wscMMI