Reset, Renew, Recharge

Here are some mental health reminders as we prepare for a well-deserved holiday break. Our everyday work can be challenging sometimes and we need reminders to put on our own oxygen mask FIRST. Take care of yourselves and those that you love during this holiday season. Although it is a joyous season, some of us may have difficulty finding our joy for many reasons. Take the opportunity to REST, RECHARGE, RESET & RENEW over the upcoming holiday break: 

REST - Rest means to stop being active for a period of time to relax and regain strength. Taking a break from the emotional demands of daily life is required for our mental health. Getting adequate sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Sleep is required to produce serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Sleep helps our bodies cope with stress effectively and reduces our risk for serious health problems.

RECHARGE - Take a break from activities that are difficult or tiring. Do something somewhere with someone that brings you JOY. Set boundaries as necessary with people & things that don't bring you joy. Boundaries protect your well-being, by limiting who has access to your personal and emotional space. You must protect your peace and regain strength and energy by feeding your soul. 

RESET - Pause, reflect, and regain clarity. Evaluate and decide what you need to realign your life with your core values and purpose in 2025. Consider making some changes to increase your overall life satisfaction. Accept current circumstances and allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Shift your focus from what you fear to what you can gain. Instead of seeing change as a threat, consider it an opportunity for growth, learning, and innovation.

RENEW- Remember your why!!! Reflect on the reason that you came into education and use that as a guiding principle for your actions and decisions going forward. Consider your impact. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and help you find clarity and motivation for the demands of the rest of the school year. 

Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) a.k.a. "The Seasonal Blues" is REAL! Please take care of yourself and those that you love! 

Self-Care Tips: 

• Celebrate yourself (YOU ROCK!)    

• Exercise or move your body regularly

• Spend some time in nature (we have some great walking trails) 

• Mindfulness Meditation (sit in silence, breathe deeply, & clear your mind) 

• Yoga (great way to release tension & stretch) 

• Take a nap (or at least regular mental breaks) 

• Declutter your environment

• Evaluate your diet (fuel your body with balanced, nutritious meals)

• Stay hydrated 

• Set boundaries 

• Listen to your body 

• Watch a good movie 

• Read a good book

• Reassess your social circle 

• Practice forgiveness (for others & yourself - release negative emotions)

• Determine your core values

• Define your priorities for the future 

• Make a vision board or set goals for 2025 

• Try something new (great way to challenge your mind) 

• Practice Gratitude (can help shift your mindset - there's an app for this) 

• Start a journal (clear your mind & gain clarity - there's an app for this) 

• Go see the Christmas lights in our community 

• Drink hot cocoa (great with marshmallows, candy canes and whipped cream) 

• Spend time with those you love (and love you) 

• Create a playlist with all your favorite songs 

• Listen to a podcast 

• Make time for things that bring you JOY 

• Laugh out loud (it's healing) 

• Cry if needed (it's a great stress reliever) 

• Take a bubble bath 

• Smile 

• Hug someone tightly (physical touch is healing) 

• Cuddle with your pet 

• Cleanse your system (gut health is important to mental health) 

• Schedule your annual physical (physical health is important to mental health) 

• Create a self-care plan for 2025 

• Take a social media detox (reduces stress and toxicity) 

• Call 988 if you have a mental health emergency - 24/7 

• Use the Employee Assistance Program if needed 

• Schedule a therapy session if needed

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