Resources

Wellness Wednesdays is one of the ways we are promoting well-being, which is the ability of individuals to address normal stresses, work productively, and realize one’s highest potential. We have to be aware of our mental health.

Some facts you may not know about mental health:  Fast Facts about Mental Health Awareness

Resources are available. Phone Numbers are at the bottom of this document:  "Take the Moment" Programs for Free   or you can reach out by using this link: "Take the Moment" Programs with NAMI

The best way to keep your blood pressure down is to know what makes it go up. – Meister Johansen

It’s never too late to take control of your blood pressure and improve your overall health. – Sarah Jenkins

Infographic about High Blood Pressure

Infographic about High Blood Pressure page 2

• Employee Assistance Program through Ulliance Page 1
• Employee Assistance Program through Ulliance Page 2

As DPSCD employees, you are eligible for the confidential support, at no cost. Reach out to a counselor at Ulliance, More information can be found on the attached flyers.

"Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: They feed the soul. When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored."  Anne Lamott

Why reading is important to your mental health: Mental Health Benefits of Reading Books. We spend a lot of time advocating for our students to read. You must read, too!

Click here: Slideshow of 7 Reasons Why Reading is Important for Children and Adults.

What is health? In 1948, the World Health Organization said “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  In 1986, they added this:  “A resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”

Mental and physical health are probably the two most frequently discussed types of health. Spiritual, emotional, and financial health also contribute to overall health. Here is a short video that has ideas and resources for a healthy lifestyle: Every Mind Matters.

One thing is certain! Our jobs in education carry a lot of stress. April is designated as Stress Awareness Month so here are some tips we have for you. 

What is stress? Watch this 2:30 minute video that explains: Managing Stress: Brainsmart.

Utilize these tips which can be found from the National Institutes of Health. Click here: Steps to Manage Stress and Build Resilience for more information.

1. Recognize and counter signs of stress.
2. Take time for yourself.
3. Try new routines.
4. Stay in touch with family, friends and groups as well as make new friends.
5. See problems through a different lens by "reframing".
6. Seek help with problems and/or talk to a profession

Calm and Strong Heart #OurHearts are healthier when we take time to relax in healthy ways. Breathe deeply, exhale slowly, and visualize something lovely, like a favorite walking trail, plant, or picture. --National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

April is Move More Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association. What is happening in Michigan? Click this link to find out: Move More Month in Michigan.

Be aware of these heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms: https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms

Have you scheduled your colonoscopy? Do you know someone who needs to do theirs? Today's activity on our March 2024 Solidarity Calendar is to raise awareness for this simple, yet important and potentially life-saving, procedure. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Here is a 3 minute video from the Cleveland Clinic that explains the basics of a colonoscopy: 6 Reasons to Get a Colonoscopy. 

Drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle. --Stephen Curry

Here is why water is a key factor in self-care: Drinking Water is Part of Good Mental Health Care.  To learn more about this initiative from the United Nations, scroll down on the page from Share My Lesson: World Water Day.

We are stronger together when we hydrate ourselves.

A part of self-care is taking part in community events. Here is a short article that gives us reasons how participating in a social event is positive for your mental health: Why Celebrating is Good for You.

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