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Mental Health Update

August 2, 2021
Mental Health Update

MH Update – 8/2/21 – Let’s Talk: Summer of Self-Care


“As important as it is to have a plan for doing work, it is perhaps more  important to have a plan for rest, relaxation, self-care, and sleep.”

— Akiroq Brost

Get Busy Resting
Rest is important – but it’s more than just sleeping and certainly more than just “Netflix and chill.” If we think of rest as restoration, like a piece of fine art or an old car or home, rest then becomes something that we must intentionally set out to do. Reading a good book, solving a crossword puzzle, playing with your dog, taking a walk and, yes, even watching a favorite TV show or new movie. When we allow our bodies and minds opportunities to slow down and to focus on things other than work, school, emails, chores and the thousand other things we need to do, we are engaging in the process of restoring ourselves to wellness.

In these final weeks of summer (how did that happen?!?) we encourage you to find ways to get intentional with rest. Below you will find our own Summer Wellness Toolkit that is full of ideas, tips and activities for you and your family to promote positive mental health and wellness. We have included the Bored and Brilliant podcast that speaks to the link between digital engagement and creativity. And finally, for those who like naps (or anyone who wants better sleep), we have included an interview from The Atlantic.

Happy Resting!

Summer Wellness Toolkit
The Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. (MHANYS) created Let’s Talk Summer Wellness to help families and youth connect to wellness during the summer months. Inside you will find fun activities to stimulate conversations about mental health and develop healthy habits to promote wellness. In addition, the practical strategies below will help guide your family through this toolkit as you learn and grow together with a focus on mental health.

Bored and Brilliant Podcast
Note to Self’s Bored and Brilliant project is a podcast that aims to help you detach from your phone and spend more time thinking creatively.
Spending time unplugged is a great way to practice self-care and creates space to intentionally focus on wellness.
CLICK HERE

Listen: You Are Worthy of Sleep
In an interview with Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry, she reminds us that rest is necessary, restorative, and a social justice issue.
You can read or listen to the interview by* The Atlantic* and find out how important rest is for our mental health and wellness.
CLICK HERE

Visit MHANYS’ School Mental Health Resource and Training Center at www.mentalhealthednys.org  today!