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Much of our work involves measuring the difference others make. Getting involved and making our own difference is also an important part of who we are as individuals and as an organization.
Keeping a gratitude journal is a popular practice in positive psychology - the scientific study of happiness. By writing at least 3-5 items or lines describing what you’re grateful for every day, you can give yourself a lasting mood boost that can take you from feeling “okay” to feeling “great” on a more regular basis.
No one can tell you what makes the cut for you and your particular circumstances, but there are some suggestions that might help if you are struggling in the beginning. As you will see, you can write about anything!
List five small ways that you can share your gratitude today.
Write about a person in your life that you’re especially grateful for and why.
What skills or abilities are you thankful to have?
What is there about a challenge you’re experiencing right now that you can be thankful for?
How is where you are in life today different than a year ago–and what positive changes are you thankful for?
List five body parts that you’re grateful for and why.
What about the city you live in are you grateful for?
What are you taking for granted about your day to day that you can be thankful for?
List 5 people in your life who are hard to get along with—and write down at least one quality for each that you are grateful for.
Practicing gratitude may increase overall feelings of happiness and reduce stress and depressive symptoms, particularly when the habit is maintained for at least a month.
Happy journaling!
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On 4/20 this year, tune into #PowerTalk21 to listen to certified drug prevention specialist; Joe Eberstein from the San Diego County Marijuana Prevention Initiative. Click here for Facebook pre-recorded interview for event information https://www.facebook.com/MADDCalifornia/ .
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What is self-care?
Self-care is any activity that we deliberately do in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. At the same time, it is not something that we force ourselves to do, or something we do not enjoy doing. It can take many different forms, as seen in the graphic below. Not all of these acts need to be accomplished, but notice what interests you, what you might be missing, and what may be manageable for you for to start doing. Benefits of self-care are improvements in our immunity, increased positive thinking and it makes us less susceptible to stress, depression, anxiety, and other emotional health issues.
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Any substance that is combusted and then inhaled exposes the airways and the lungs to particles and toxins that lead to some degree of airway inflammation, similar to inflammation that may be seen in those with chronic asthma or COPD. Those two patient groups have been shown to have an increased risk of complications from COVID-19, so it would suggest to me that cannabis smokers, like cigarette smokers, may have the potential for more complications if they get infected.
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This can be a stressful time for many, so today we are focusing on ways to take a step back and reconnect with the body and mind.
Meditation & Mindfulness
When someone meditates, their body’s relaxation response helps decrease metabolism, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart rate, breathing, and brain waves. The muscles are relieved of tension and tightness as the body receives a quiet message to relax. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Identified benefits of mindfulness are decreased stress, enhanced ability to deal with illness, facilitation of recovery, decrease depressive symptoms, and improve health in general.
If you are interested in trying meditation or mindfulness, a couple free apps and listening can be found at:
https://www.headspace.com/covid-19
https://psychcentral.com/blog/1-minute-mindfulness-exercises/
https://www.aurahealth.io/blog/fighting-mental-health-crisis-from-coronavirus
https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
https://blog.calm.com/take-a-deep-breath
Yoga
Yoga isn’t just for people who can touch their toes or want to meditate. Different practices can focus on relaxation, strength, or flexibility. Common benefits of yoga include better posture, attention to your breathing, reduced stress, and lower blood pressure.
Some apps are offering free use for a limited time or below is a link to a popular YouTube channel.
https://portal.dailyburn.com/?property=yoga
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
These skills and practices aren’t just for adults either! Try one alone or with your family or friends.
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