Tuesday, July 30, 2024

The Power of Journaling for Wellness

Journaling has developed to support self-expression, evaluation, and growth. Mental Health America (MHA) hosted Journaling for Wellness: Exploring Benefits, Techniques, and Lived Experiences. A new resource is available at Journaling_11.22.22 (center4healthandsdc.org). I learned ideas with wellness_in_8_dimensions_booklet_with_daily_plan with specific wellness techniques of learning how to connect thoughts, feelings and actions with difficult events with awareness and understanding and reduce stress, anxiety, PTSD symptoms and depression with specifics unique to each individual. 


Are you looking to clarify your thoughts, cultivate thankfulness, or set and track goals? Having clear intentions will guide your focus and help you absorb the information to align with your goals. The upcoming 2024 Mental Health America Conference, scheduled for September 19-21, aims to DISRUPT systemic barriers, REFORM harmful practices, and TRANSFORM the mental health landscape to ensure equitable opportunities for optimal mental health and well-being for all.


The conference will delve into various topics, including the health equity needs of local communities and the impact on mental health. This event represents a significant step towards addressing and understanding the complex interplay between community needs and mental health outcomes.


As we look towards the future, I learn to recognize the diverse needs of individuals and the collective power of community and technology in creating a supportive and resilient environment for mental health.


**Exploring Journaling Techniques**

You may wish to familiarize yourself with various journaling methods. Journaling techniques offer unique benefits and insights. Learning with different styles may help to discover what meets your needs. 

7/31/24 Waterfall yoga feeling energies of river to child pose listening to energies of water and thunder to change pose connecting with clouds to remember yoga with journal with feng shui cycle of elements connecting with plants and clouds. 

8/1/24 Waterfall yoga feeling water energies with lighted clouds feeling harmony to child pose listening with angles connecting with the environment to change pose with rain drops and clouds to remember yoga pose with plants and sky.

Regular physical activity is important to good health, benefiting both the heart and mood. Exercise may help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve mental health with reducing anxiety and depression. Incorporating moderate to vigorous physical activity into your daily routine may lead to immediate and long-term health benefits. usphs-apft-training-guide.pdf


**Practicing Mindfulness**

Journaling is an inherently mindful practice, requiring one to be present in the moment. This could involve meditative breathing exercises or simply being more aware of your surroundings and thoughts throughout the day.


**Evaluating Personal Growth**

You may wish to take time to evaluate your journey of personal growth. What lessons have you learned, and what challenges have you overcome? 


**Engaging with the Community**

I learn to embrace the diversity of journal choices.


**Embracing Flexibility**

The Integrative Approach to Mental Health in Schools


Mental health is connected to overall well-being and is important in the educational environment. Schools may be centers for academic learning and also important in supporting the emotional and psychological growth of students and staff. CDC's School Mental Health Action Guide offers a valuable framework for schools to evaluate and enhance their mental health programs.


Evaluating Current Practices

One first step in strengthening mental health support is a thorough evaluation of existing practices. This process may help schools evaluate areas needing attention and improvement. With leveraging resources with computers and community spaces, schools may create support systems for mental health.


Art Integration in Mental Health Programs

One innovative strategy is incorporating art into mental health initiatives. "Art in the Park" programs may nurture community bonds and serve as a therapeutic form of expression. Art, with creativity and flexibility, provides a unique way for individuals to explore and convey their feelings in a supportive setting.


Leveraging Technology for Support

Technology plays a crucial role in modern mental health support. Through webinars and social media platform Twitter/X, schools may offer small group learning and personalized support. This approach accommodates various learning styles and needs, ensuring every individual has access to the help they need.


Healing Techniques in the Curriculum

Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are vital tools for fostering acceptance, commitment to change, and resilience. These techniques empower individuals to navigate life's transitions, comprehend their emotions, and align their actions with their values. Integrating these practices into the school curriculum may significantly aid students and staff in emotion regulation and stress management.


The Path Forward

As schools continue to recognize the significance of mental health, the integration of comprehensive support systems becomes essential. With adopting an integrative approach of evaluation, art, technology, and healing techniques, schools may create an environment where mental well-being is nurtured alongside academic success. This holistic approach may benefit the individual and also contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.


The journey to support mental health in schools is ongoing and multifaceted and may involve commitment, innovation, and a willingness to utilize all available resources to support schools learning with mental and emotional growth.

Resources
I have organized resources into 3 levels of multi-tiered support: the general level of everyone with updated blog posts, the small group level with Twitter / X and the individual level with email. 

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