The Art of Improvisation: Enhancing Communication and Connection

With communication, the ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing situations is valuable. On June 18, 2024, the University of Illinois Alumni Association hosted a special learning event Unscripted: How to Communicate and Connect using the Improv Approach. The Improv mindset encourages openness and flexibility. With applying these principles to interactions, individuals may improve their listening skills and their ability to express their needs and desires clearly and effectively and is available through the University of Illinois Webinars and Online Events website. I learned how creating a connection with choosing one word or sentence at a time may help to support collaborative connections and creative, strategic thinking with an interaction. 

Embracing Community Health and Inclusivity During PTSD Awareness Month

PTSD Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by individuals who have experienced traumatic events, including veterans who have served our nations. The emphasis on community health during this month is a testament to the collective effort required to address the complexities of PTSD. With learning to support one another through inclusive and respectful principles, we may build a foundation for healthier communities. I learn to take regular breaks, talk about your needs, and plan appointments to meet your goals.

Pride Month: Share resources for LGBTQ+ Veterans

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/socials/docs/Social-Planning-Worksheet.pdf

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/socials/docs/National-Resources-Form.pdf

The Importance of Supporting Mental Health in Special Populations

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. The Texas School Mental Health initiative organized a webinar on June 13, 2024 Supporting the Mental Health of Special Populations and offers a process map to achieve success of giving love and support available at SMH_Graphic (schoolmentalhealthtx.org). 

First step is to encourage teamwork and planning with needs evaluation and resources maps with schools based on identified groups, encouraging asking the question, "What happened to you?" with three tiers of support. First tier is support of everyone. Second tier is individualized support of specific needs. Third tier is intensive small group support of individualized needs. With each tier, explore best practices with national quality standards. Achieve results with monitoring progress and continuous improvement. 

Preparing for and with PTSD Awareness Month: A Guide to Mindful Participation

June marks PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder—a condition with affects on millions worldwide. With this month, I realize the importance to be prepared for participating in community events at Riverside Park with supportive people and organizations.

### Essential Items for Participation

To ensure I am ready for any event, here are some items to consider packing:

- **Charged Smartphone**: Stay connected and evaluate healthy practices with supportive organizations.

- **Healthy Food and Water Container**: I learn the importance of nourishment with **Mental Health Promotion**: Resources provided with the Minnesota Department of Health. I learn to pack wholesome snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

- **Toothbrush and Toothpaste**: Maintain oral hygiene, especially if spending a long day out.

- **Plastic Bags**: Protect food and electronics from unexpected weather changes.

- **Reading Glasses**: Learn with reading material or resources shared during the events.

- **Veterans Crisis Line Information**: Have resources accessible to share with anyone in need of support.

### Engaging in Community Health

Participating in PTSD Awareness Month may be attending events and to co-create a healthier community. Here are some ways to engage:

- **Inclusive Practices**: Ensure the environment is accessible to all participants

- **Regular Breaks**: Schedule breaks to prevent burnout and maintain high energy levels throughout the events.

- **Open Communication**: Talk about your needs and listen to others, fostering a supportive atmosphere.

Microsoft AI Services with Copilot writes:

Supporting someone with PTSD who is also at risk for heart disease can be challenging, but there are several ways you can help:

1. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage them to seek professional help for both PTSD and heart health. This could include therapists, psychiatrists, and cardiologists.

2. Promote Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol.

3. Support in Stress Management: Help them find effective stress management techniques. This could be through mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.

4. Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that recovery from PTSD and managing heart health is a long process and can have ups and downs. Be patient and provide emotional support.

5. Educate Yourself: Learn more about PTSD and heart disease. The more you understand, the better you can support them.

6. Encourage Regular Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups are crucial for monitoring heart health, especially for someone with PTSD.

7. Join Support Groups: Consider joining a support group for families and friends of people with PTSD. It can be helpful to connect with others who are facing similar challenges.

Remember, it’s important to take care of your own mental and physical health too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking support for yourself as well. It’s not easy supporting someone with PTSD and heart disease, but your support can make a big difference in their journey towards recovery and health management.

...

Connecting heart rate monitors with exercise for PTSD patients can be a beneficial way to manage symptoms and improve overall health. Here are some steps on how to do it:

Choose the Right Heart Rate Monitor: Select a heart rate monitor that is comfortable, reliable, and accurate. Some of the best heart rate monitors include the Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor1, the Polar OH12, and the Polar H10 chest strap3. These devices can connect to your watch or fitness equipment seamlessly.

Connect to Fitness Apps: Most heart rate monitors can connect to fitness apps such as Strava2. These apps can help track your heart rate during exercise and provide valuable data for managing your health.

Monitor Exercise Intensity: Use the heart rate monitor to track the intensity of your workouts. This can help ensure you’re exercising at a safe and effective level for your health.

Pair with Professional Guidance: If possible, work with a healthcare provider or a fitness professional who can guide you on how to use the heart rate monitor effectively in your exercise routine. They can help set appropriate heart rate zones for your workouts.

Consistent Use: Consistency is key. Regular use of the heart rate monitor during exercise can provide valuable data over time, which can be used to adjust your exercise routine and manage your PTSD symptoms.

Objective Assessment: Objective assessment of exercise adherence could be assessed through the use of accelerometers paired with chest-strap heart rate monitors4. This would allow researchers or healthcare providers to objectively assess the frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise during the intervention.

Remember, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have PTSD or other health conditions. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.

- **Goal-Oriented Planning**: Set clear goals to achieve by participating, whether with awareness, learning, or offering support.

### Expressing and Love

Amidst the activities, i wish to evaluate the positives—love, the healing power of sunlight, and the progress made in PTSD treatment. I feel thankful for peace and efforts towards better mental health.

As we prepare for and with PTSD Awareness Month, I wish to remember to equip myself with the necessary items, engage in community health initiatives, share valuable resources, and express thankfulness for my journey of learning how to help myself and others heal from the effects of PTSD. Together, we may make a difference in the lives of those affected by PTSD and contribute to a healthier, more informed community. I learn how a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, and every step taken towards mental health awareness is a step towards a healthier society.

Co-creating Community Health: A Journey Towards Inclusivity and Well-being

In the pursuit of fostering a healthier community, I learn to embrace inclusive, accessible, and respectful principles. The journey towards community health is a collective endeavor. By learning to support our environment and those within, we may create a space where everyone thrives.

Taking regular breaks, discussing needs, and planning appointments to meet personal and communal goals are fundamental practices to contribute to the well-being of all. These actions are self-care routines and are acts of community care to recognize the interconnectedness of our health and the health of those around us.

The resources available to us are vast and varied, ranging from blogs to empower communities through self-care and caregiving, to governmental and institutional sites to promote mental health. These resources serve as beacons of knowledge, guiding us through the complexities of mental well-being and providing strategies to maintain a healthy mind.

Thankfulness plays a significant role in this journey. Feeling thankful for love and recognizing the progress made in managing conditions of PTSD are powerful affirmations of the human spirit's resilience and is a reminder of hope and a path towards healing.

Education is important to community health. Challenger Middle School advocates for the symbiotic relationship between a healthy body and a healthy mind, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both. Mental Health America offers definitions and insights into mental health, equipping us with the understanding needed to support ourselves and others.

The process of integrating restorative practices into our lives involves careful evaluation and organization, evaluating community agreements, using inclusive language, and listening with the intent to understand. Technology, when integrated with grace, may enhance these practices, helping to map intentions and make a positive impact.

Organizing community agreements for everyone involves the whole school or organization, utilizing group circles and conversations to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect. These agreements are the foundation upon which a supportive and healthy community is built.

Taking the pledge to raise PTSD awareness signifies a commitment to acknowledge the struggles faced by many and to participate in creating an environment to support healing and growth.

As we co-create community health, I learn to evaluate how every small step we take is a leap towards a future where health is both an individual concern and a shared responsibility. 

The Power of Laughter with Humor in Mental Health Treatment and Recovery

The Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network hosted an event on June 5, 2024 The Therapeutic Use of Humor in Treatment and Recovery 11 am. 

Navigating Conversations About Mental Health During PTSD Awareness Month

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and encouraging support for individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is a time when discussions about mental health come to the forefront, and the potential for intense arguments or conflicts may arise. Whether due to differing opinions, misunderstandings, or the sensitive nature of the topic, I learn to approach these conversations with care.

Here are some strategies to help reduce the intensity of arguments or conflicts about mental health during PTSD Awareness Month:

1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: Knowledge is a powerful tool. Take the time to learn about PTSD and impact on individuals. Share credible resources and information from the National Center for PTSD to foster a better understanding among peers.

2. **Practice Active Listening**: Often, conflicts escalate when individuals feel unheard. Make a conscious effort to listen actively, without interrupting or planning your response while the other person is speaking unless you need to take a break and give a respectful sign to stop.

3. **Use "I" Statements**: Communicate your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements to express yourself without placing blame or making assumptions about others' intentions.

4. **Stay Calm and Composed**: Emotions may run high during discussions about mental health. Strive to remain calm and composed, even if the conversation becomes heated. Taking deep breaths and pausing before responding may help maintain a level-headed dialogue.

5. **Seek Common Ground**: Look for areas of agreement to serve as a foundation for a more constructive conversation. Focusing on shared goals to support those with PTSD, may help redirect the discussion towards positive outcomes.

6. **Acknowledge and Respect Differences**: I learn to acknowledge different viewpoints and respect the person even if I disagree with their perspective. 

7. **Set Boundaries**: If the conversation becomes too intense, I learn to set boundaries and respectfully excuse myself from the discussion if the discussion leads to distress or conflict.

8. **Encourage Professional Support**: Remind others how professional help is available and effective. Encouraging individuals to seek support from mental health professionals as a constructive way to approach the topic of PTSD treatment.

9. **Promote Coping Strategies**: Share everyday strategies that can help manage PTSD symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, establishing a routine, and engaging in positive activities.

10. **Highlight Resilience Factors**: Discuss how resilience factors may reduce the risk of PTSD, such as seeking support from friends, family, or support groups, and having a coping strategy for getting through traumatic events.

By employing these strategies, conversations about mental health during PTSD Awareness Month may be more productive and less confrontational with awareness and support for those affected by PTSD, and contribute to a more informed and compassionate society. I learn how reducing the intensity of conflicts starts with understanding, empathy, and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.

6. **Evaluate Your Practice**: Evaluate your current approach to mental health treatment and recovery. How do you integrate humor now, and what are you hoping to change or improve?

7. **Plan for Implementation**: Think about how to apply what you learn at the event in your work. Are there specific techniques or ideas you are hoping to implement? How will you measure their effectiveness? I learn the power of humor to connect people from the beginning with asking questions about humor while being careful of woundedness and heavy emotions to make sure humor feels safe and healing. 

Self-Care With Caregiving

 In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) hosted a special learning event on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11 am with the theme The Importance of Self-Care While Caregiving. This event is an opportunity to learn, engage, and be part of a movement to value mental health as an integral part of overall health. I learned a specific list of self-care techniques: self-compassion, 10 minutes breath awareness, yoga, meditation with tai chi, also deep relaxation. I learn to eat well, sleep to be energized, refreshed, social connection with caregiver support group events, balance self needs with responsibilities of meeting needs of another with assertive sharing the importance of how self care helps to rejuvenate with healthier care for others. I learn how public parks are learning opportunities to enjoy nature with walks shareable with others with art with Disaster Behavioral Health Services (texas.gov). I wish to start small and integrate new self-care practices gradually.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, the lessons learned and the strategies shared during these events will hopefully resonate throughout the year, inspiring ongoing efforts to support mental health for caregivers and the community.

Embracing Self-Care and Compassion: A Journey Through Public Parks

May 30, 2024, I have a moment to pause and evaluate on the intertwining themes of self-care, caregiving, and the nurturing embrace of public parks. This date is a day on the calendar and a time to check-in in on my journey of love, care, and understanding in Sebastian, Florida where I live.

June PTSD Awareness Month

With June being PTSD Awareness Month, our reflections on self-care take on an added layer of significance. This is a time to acknowledge the struggles faced by those living with PTSD and to evaluate how our actions, both big and small, may foster an environment of healing and understanding.

The Role of Public Parks

Public parks, those oases of green amidst the concrete, play a crucial role in our collective and individual well-being. They are spaces where we may breathe, move, and connect with nature and each other. They serve as communal living rooms, hosting our celebrations, our quiet moments of introspection, and our steps towards better mental health.

Three Positive Results to Be Thankful For

As I evaluate, I wish to count the blessings and positive outcomes of my paths:

1. The increased awareness and conversation around mental health, breaking down stigmas and opening doors to understanding.

2. The growth of resources with PTSD Family Coach app provide tools and support for those in need.

3. Acts of kindness ripple through our communities, often starting as small gestures yet growing into waves of positive change.

Acts of Kindness: A Ripple Effect

Informed by our experiences in May 2024, we carry forward the lessons learned into June. Acts of kindness—towards ourselves and others—are noble deeds; they are the very threads to weave the fabric of a compassionate society. They are reminders how love and care may manifest in countless ways, from a listening ear to a helping hand extended in a public park.

Encouraging Learning and Growth

This blog is a platform for sharing, for expressing thankfulness, and for encouraging myself and others with empathy for successful learning. Endings are a chance for new beginnings. I have learned the importance of letting love lead the way with evidence-based practices with health science support. I learn to seek out the best in ourselves and in others, to reach out, to support, and to understand. Love is the compass to guide my path to help navigate challenges. Empathy allows us to see the world through the eyes of others, to feel their joys and their pains, and to learn from their experiences. Empathy enables me to use the lessons of May to inform and enrich the days of June for acts of kindness, moments of self-care, and steps towards healing. 

Here are some quick and easy snack ideas to keep energized throughout the day.

1. **Greek Yogurt and Honey:** A bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey is not only satisfying but also packed with protein and probiotics.

2. **Veggie Sticks and Hummus:** Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers and dip them in hummus for a crunchy and creamy treat.

3. **Nut Butter and Banana:** Spread your favorite nut butter on a banana for a dose of healthy fats and potassium.

4. **Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers:** Pairing cheese with whole-grain crackers provides a good balance of protein and fiber.

5. **Trail Mix:** Mix together nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a portable snack full of variety and flavor.

6. **Popcorn:** Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and may be a light snack if you avoid heavy butter and salt.

7. **Rice Cakes and Avocado:** Top a rice cake with avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of lime juice for a snack full of healthy fats.

8. **Fruit Smoothie:** Blend your favorite fruits with some spinach and a scoop of protein powder for a quick smoothie on the go.

9. **Dark Chocolate and Almonds:** For a sweet and satisfying snack, pair a few pieces of dark chocolate with a handful of almonds.

These snack ideas are quick to prepare and also provide the nutrients your body needs to stay fueled and focused. Whether you are in need of a mid-morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, these snacks may help. For more inspiration, check out various online resources to offer a plethora of quick and easy snack recipes. Happy snacking

Embracing Self-Care: An Integrative Guide for a Healthier June

June brings the promise of longer days, warmer weather, and the learning opportunity to focus on self-care. Self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining both physical and mental health to benefit everyone. This month, I wish to learn a holistic approach to self-care, encompassing various aspects of life.

**Physical Activity and Nutrition**

I learn to start with the basics: aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night to allow my body to rest and recover. Hydration is important. I keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Nutrition plays a crucial role in how we feel. I focus on eating well-balanced meals to fuel my body and mind. I try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of paced walking into my daily routine and evaluate using a heart rate monitor to stay within my optimal exercise zone.

**Mental and Emotional Well-being**

I wish to integrate mental health practices into my day with sharing my story with media, wear green for support of mental health awareness and participate in events to foster therapeutic interactions and build secure attachments. I wish to set aside time for regular breaks and ensure I have an action plan for my mental health practices. I learn asking for help is a sign of strength.

**Environmental Consciousness**

I learn to adopt the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle to contribute to environmental health to benefit the planet and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

**Spiritual Connection**

I learn to connect spiritually, whether through sunlight and gardening or other practices to ground myself and provide peace.

**Occupational and Intellectual Growth**

I learn to engage in learning opportunities such as CDC's Virtual Healthy School or explore PTSD Family Coach app to expand my knowledge and skills. I set goals and create an action plan with tasks assigned to due dates to track my progress.

**Consent and Comfort**

I try to seek consent before physical touch and make adjustments to ensure comfort, whether for seating arrangements or the need for pain relief. I try to communicate openly about my needs and listen to others when they express theirs.

**Inclusivity and Respect**

I try to adopt principles of inclusivity, accessibility, equality, respect, and balance in all areas of life, connect with how I feel and move my body to reduce stress and anxiety.

**Relationships and Boundaries**

I wish to improve my relationships by learning how to set boundaries kindly and compassionately. I learn to say, "I support you, yet I need..." to take care of my needs.

**Community and Support**

I wish to reach out to friends, family, your primary healthcare provider, and mental health resources with challenges

As we move into June, I wish to set intentions for my mental health practices, evaluate my growth, and find ways to help myself and others.