Matters of the Mind

WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL MIND-BODY WELLNESS DAY

• Everybody needs a healthy mind
  The mind is one of the most powerful tools we have to create a healthy life and a better world. A positive mindset can lead to a stronger immune system, more vitality and energy, a healthy microbiome, reduced stress and cortisol levels, and even balance your hormones.

• Purpose creates better health
  Living a purpose driven life can have a direct impact on your physical health and lifespan. Purpose is foundational to a healthy mindset: as we’ve discussed above this boosts the immune system, helps the microbiome thrive, balances hormones and so much more.

• Mind body soul wellbeing transforms you, and society too
  A healthy mind and stable emotions are the foundations of a tolerant and sustainable society. Want to make the world a better place? It starts with you. It takes a healthy mindset to create peace and tolerance in our society. We have a collective responsibility towards inner-transformation to create a just, sustainable and peaceful world.

1. 
   

   Find your favorite mindfulness practice

   Practicing mindfulness can be done in so many different ways! The key is to find a technique suited to your unique temperament and elemental type. Whether that be meditation or yoga, acts of kindness and service, mindful eating, or practicing daily self-care and appreciation, mind-body wellness plays a huge role in improving the quality of life.

   
   

2. 
   

   Get a good night's sleep

   Good sleep is foundational to lowering stress and keeping the body healthy. Before heading off to bed, try shutting off your devices at least one hour before bedtime. Allow your brain and body time to decompress, away from outside distractions and stressors. Aim to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a night.

   
   

3. 
   

   Create daily routines that support strong inner prosperity

   Routines create habits, and positive routines can rewire your brain. The mind craves consistency! Try adding some positive self-affirmations to your daily routine. Take some time each day, just for you, doing something you love. This small act of self care can move mountains in terms of confidence building, self acceptance and overall well-being.

   
   

The Village will be hosting a Youth Tech safety conference for all 4th-6th grade PARENTS this spring! Be on the look out for more information!

Showing up to school every day is critical for children’s well-being, engagement and learning.

As colds and viruses step up this fall, be sure to use these Tips for Staying Healthy. We encourage families, educators and schools to work together to help students avoid getting sick in the first place.

It can be difficult as a parent to know when to keep a child home due to illness and help them identify when a student has anxiety. Download the Health Guidance for Going to School (English and Spanish).

Make sure to send children to school if they are:

• Generally healthy and well.

• Participating in usual day-to-day activities.

• Children can even go to school if they:

• Have a mild cold, which may include a runny nose and/or cough.

• Have eye drainage without fever, eye pain or eyelid redness.

• Have a mild stomach ache.

• Have a mild rash with no other symptoms.

• Have head lice. (Though they are annoying and should be treated, lice are not a reason to exclude a child from school.)

• Haven’t had a fever overnight and they have not taken fever-reducing medicine during that time.

Avoid keeping children at home unless they are too sick to participate.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break! Let's make a commitment together to make our mental health a priority this New Year! If you or someone you know needs support please reach out.

Lindsey R. Payton, RN

Chilton County Schools Mental Health Services Coordinator

lrpayton@chiltonboe.com

205-245-4572