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Back to School (for Teens) - Nemours KidsHealth

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Dread it or love it, you gotta go to school. Looking for ways to make the first day a little less painful? Here are some tips.

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Entering high school can be nerve-racking, especially given that movie and television portrayals of those years have historically included students being shoved into lockers and divided by social cliques.

"A lot of things you hear about high schools are just urban legends," says Jeff R. Sherrill, lead for community engagement at the National Association of Secondary School Principals' department of student leadership.

Students will face both social and academic changes as they move into their final four years of compulsory schooling, including increased accountability for their academics and time management. Here are 10 tips from experts to ease the adjustment from middle school to high school.

1. Learn the School

Prior to the start of classes, many high schools offer an orientation to rising ninth graders. Take the time to explore the building - noting the location of your classrooms and locker, as well as the gym, lunchroom and school nurse and counselor offices, experts say. If you have your locker assignment, practice opening it.

Orientation also provides a chance to meet your peers and teachers.

2. Challenge Yourself

Experts advise students to pick classes that challenge them, but not to the point where it's overwhelming. To understand what type of load you can take on, consider the whole picture, including your home responsibilities and extracurricular activities.

"I know the transition is scary and every student's experience is going to be individualized," says Richard Tench, a school counselor at Saint Albans High School in West Virginia and chair of the American School Counselor Association's board of directors. "I think that all students and parents alike need to really reflect on how their middle school years went," looking in particular at test scores and demonstrated work ethic.

3. Pick Classes of Interest

Freshmen usually have limited choices for their classes compared to upperclassmen. But to the extent possible, it's important to pick classes that interest you. Electives, for example, are a way for students to explore their passions or develop new skills.

"I understand there's some kids who enter ninth grade already thinking about college and what colleges want to see," says Kimberly Greer, principal at Langley High School in Virginia. "Really at this point, they need to get to know where their interests and passions lie. It's really a great time during that freshman year to begin to explore and to answer those questions by way of the elective."

4. Get Organized

Compared to middle school, high school comes with more assignments, tests, group projects and activities. It can be easy to lose track of deadlines, so find a way to stay organized, experts say.

Be sure to track important dates on an online or paper calendar or get a planner, for instance.

5. Connect With Upperclassmen

Some schools pair freshmen with seniors as part of a mentorship program. But ninth graders can also make the effort to connect with an upperclassman - like a friend's older sibling, a neighbor, fellow club member or teammate - on their own.

"Just keep in mind that the upperclassmen were freshmen, too," Sherrill says. "It's not like you're the first one to go through this. There are students that can share their stories, be helpful and give good tips."

6. Stay True to Your Values

Students may face pressure to fit into a certain mold in high school. But don't let that dissuade you from sticking to your values and passions, experts say.

"Just being yourself is so incredibly important and powerful," says Stephanie Owens, executive director of Reach Higher and vice president of student advocacy and engagement at the Common App. "The middle school to high school transition is tough because you're figuring out who you are and who you want to be. Recognize that is totally OK."

7. Connect With Others Through Activities

High schools offer a number of activities throughout the year, including sporting events, concerts, plays and pep rallies. Attend these activities when you can - go with friends or use the opportunity to meet other students. You can also connect with peers by participating in a club, honor society or volunteering.

"Find a way to make the large school community a small one," Greer says.

But don't just join a number of clubs to boost your college application, as it can lead to burnout. Instead, find a select few that you're interested in. College admissions officers "are going to know that you just did them because you were checking off boxes," Owens says. "So be intentional about how you're using your time."

8. Build Relationships With Teachers and Staff

As soon as the bell rings, students are generally in a hurry to leave the classroom. But instead, take the time after classes to get to know your teachers and counselors. Developing those relationships can ease the transition and be helpful in the long run - especially as students start to apply to colleges.

"We often see teachers within schools that actually attend events that kids are involved in, be it performing arts performances or sports," Greer says. "If you see your teacher at an event, make sure to acknowledge that. Tell them thank you because they are there in support and have an interest in seeing you do well."

Sometimes it's "hard to connect with teachers on an academic level since some students are only at school because they have to be there," Tench says. Participating in a club is another way to relate to teachers over shared interests.

9. Prioritize Your Mental Health

The coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the mental health of many teenagers and young adults. Thirty-seven percent of students at public and private high schools, for instance, experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 report. Female and LGBTQ high school students were more likely to report feelings of sadness or hopelessness within the last year than their peers.

Experts advise students not to be afraid to seek out help, as most schools have mental health resources and services available, including counselors, psychologists and social workers.

"There are so many big emotions that happen from your freshman year of high school to your senior year of high school," Owens says. "The development that just your body goes through is huge. So take care of yourself mentally, physically, socially. But absolutely pay attention to your mental health."

10. Be Present

Some students enter high school with their eyes already on college. But stay in the moment and make the most of your four years in high school.

"If you have a bad day, remember a bad day only lasts 24 hours," Sherrill says. "It's a moment in time and then you go on. Enjoy your high school career. Figure out ways to make it fabulous."

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Entering high school can be nerve-racking, especially given that movie and television portrayals of those years have historically included students being shoved into lockers and divided by social cliques. "A lot of things you hear about high schools are just urban legends," says Jeff R.

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When it's time to head back to you know where...

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When it's time to head back to you know where...

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Now is the time to break out of your same-old homework habits. Try these study tips and get the brain boost you need for back to school.

1. You don't need ONE study space.

A well-stocked desk in a quiet place at home is key, but sometimes you need variety. Coffee shops, libraries, parks, or even just moving to the kitchen table will give you a change of scenery which can prompt your brain to retain information better.

2. Track more than HW in your school planner.

Keeping a calendar helps you plan ahead-but you've got more going on than just homework assignments! Make sure you're marking your extracurricular, work, and social commitments, too. (Tests, band practice, away games, SAT dates, half-days and holidays are just a few examples of reminders for your planner.)

3. Start small.

If you've got a big assignment looming, like a research paper, stay motivated by completing a piece of the project every few days. Write one paragraph each night. Or, do 5 algebra problems from your problem set at a time, and then take a break.

4. School supplies (alone) don't make you organized.

Come up with a system and keep to it. Do you keep one big binder for all your classes with color-coded tabs? Or do you prefer to keep separate notebooks and a folder for handouts? Keep the system simple-if it's too fancy or complicated, you are less likely to keep it up everyday.

5. Get into a routine.

When will you make the time to do your homework every day? Find the time of day that works best for you (this can change day-to-day, depending on your schedule!), and make a plan to hit the books.

6. Learn how to create a distraction-free zone.

A study on workplace distractions found that it takes workers an average of 25 minutes to return to what they were working on pre-interruption. Try turning off your phone notifications or blocking Twitter (temporarily) on your computer so you can concentrate on the homework tasks at hand.

7. Get real.

When you're looking at the homework you have to get done tonight, be realistic about how long things actually take. Gauging that reading a history chapter will take an hour and writing a response will take another 30 minutes will help you plan how you spend your time.

8. Use class time wisely.

Is your teacher finished lecturing, but you still have 10 minutes of class left? Get a jump on your chemistry homework while it's still fresh in your mind. Or use the time to ask your teacher about concepts that were fuzzy the first time.

9. Look over your notes each night to make sure you've got it.

Fill in details, edit the parts that don't make sense, and star or highlight the bits of information that you know are most important. Interacting with your notes will help you remember them. You can also use Homework Help to get your questions answered 24/7.

10. Study a little every day.

Cramming Spanish vocabulary for a quiz might work in the short-term, but when comes time to study for midterms, you'll be back at square 1. You might remember the vocab list long enough to ace the quiz, but reviewing the terms later will help you store them for the long haul.

11. Don't let a bad grade keep you down.

A rough start to the semester doesn't have to sink your GPA. Take proactive steps by checking your grades regularly online and getting a tutor if you need one.

12. Make a friend in every class.

Find a few people you can contact from each of your classes if you have a homework question or had to miss class (and do the same for them!). Then when it comes time to study for exams, you'll already have a study group.

Stuck on homework?

Try an online tutoring session with one of our experts, and get homework help in 40+ subjects.
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The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 40 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.

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Back to school is the time to break same-old homework habits. Get the study tips you need to navigate the school year.

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SLEEP and Why you need more of it - especially now.

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SLEEP and Why you need more of it - especially now.

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Teenagers are notorious for staying up late at night. When they are not working on school projects, they are usually socializing late into the night and missing out on valuable sleep. A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that as much as two-thirds of high school students get less than seven hour so sleep nightly. The study also found that girls and students in higher grades are getting the least amount of sleep.

The study's findings are a cause for concern because according to Dr. Jonathan Pletcher, an adolescent medicine specialist at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, "...a lack of sleep can increase depression, negative physical health like headaches, poor school performance, school absenteeism and drowsy driving."

So how can you or your teen get more sleep and offset some of the negative consequences of teen sleep deprivation?

Establish a bed and wake-time and stick to it, coming as close as you can on the weekends. A consistent sleep schedule will help you feel less tired since it allows your body to get in sync with its natural patterns. You will find that it's easier to fall asleep at bedtime with this type of routine.

Don't eat, drink, or exercise within a few hours of your bedtime. Don't leave your homework for the last minute. Try to avoid the TV, computer and telephone in the hour before you go to bed. Stick to quiet, calm activities, and you'll fall asleep much more easily!

Try keeping a diary or to-do lists. If you jot notes down before you go to sleep, you'll be less likely to stay awake worrying or stressing.

- Get more tips and learn more about Teens and Sleep.

- Learn more about the study.

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High school students getting less sleep - Sleep Foundation

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Teenagers are notorious for staying up late at night. When they are not working on school projects, they are usually socializing late into the night and missing out on valuable sleep. A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that as much as two-thirds of high school students get less than seven hour so sleep nightly.

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Incorporate healthy eating; providing fuel for your brain and body for the journey ahead.

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Incorporate healthy eating; providing fuel for your brain and body for the journey ahead.

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https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ten-tips-eat-smart-and-be-active-as-you-grow

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Hello Cougars and Welcome to the Cougar Comfort Zone

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

Our Faculty and Staff at MND are committed to the overall wellness of our students. We prioritize every students' academic, spiritual, and social development, along with her physical and emotional health and safety. Balancing and managing all of this is not an easy task and no one should have to face these stressors alone. As the title of this Padlet states: this is a "virtual calm space" where you can find a variety of topics and activities to explore centered around mental health and wellness. We are hopeful you will find something that will help support your need. Come and go from this space as you choose and think of it as your virtual BE WELL space and utilize it often or as you need. AND if you have something you'd like to see added here, reach out to Mrs. Sicking

At MND we want you to know that we are here for you and are ready to support you however we can.  With hope, we look forward to working together to overcome any hardships that are being faced.

We would love to hear from you so please reach out to your counselors for both academic as well as social and emotional support whenever you need!

As always,
Stay Healthy, Safe and Well!
-Your MND Counseling Team

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THE MISSION STATEMENT OF SOURCES OF STRENGTH

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THE MISSION STATEMENT OF SOURCES OF STRENGTH

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Skip to main content

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

Conocer más

Stock photo by iStock.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
read stories of hope & recovery

First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

Show What Happens When You Call The Lifeline

Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

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Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

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Mental Health and Behavior | Ongoing Support Resources

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Resources on mental health and behavior challenges for families and children with special health care needs.

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Healthy relationships for young adults can be confusing. Love is more than just the way you feel, and we’re here to help.

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Jul 10, 2020
KFF
https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/

The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn have taken a toll on mental health for many people, with over 30% of adults in the U.S. now reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder. KFF polling during the pandemic has consistently found large shares of the public saying that worry and stress related to the coronavirus have had a negative effect on their mental health. This is coming at a time when mental health resources were already strained,

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Jul 10, 2020 KFF https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/ The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn have taken a toll on mental health for many people, with over 30% of adults in the U.S. now reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder.

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TOOLS for TEENS to support mental health

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TOOLS for TEENS to support mental health

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Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. What we think can affect how we feel and act. And what we do can affect how we think and feel. Changing one can help change the others. We can use this fact to help ourselves feel better and live the way we want to live. Watch this video to learn more about the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. What we think can affect how we feel and act. And what we do can affect how we think and feel. Changing one can help change the others. We can use this fact to help ourselves feel better and live the way we want to live.

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Resources to support you,  particularly when facing times where the impact of racial justice is being challenged and addressed, or you are having feelings about what you are hearing, seeing or even direct involvement. Check out some of these amazing resources. 

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Resources to support you,  particularly when facing times where the impact of racial justice is being challenged and addressed, or you are having feelings about what you are hearing, seeing or even direct involvement. Check out some of these amazing resources. 

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Racial Inequity and Mental Health

Racism has a detrimental impact on our mental health

The link between experiences of racism and mental illness is undeniable. Racist acts against POC is affecting the mental health of our country especially those suffering from two of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States: anxiety and depression. Below is a collection of mental health resources, organizations, and sources of education to help educate people about the symptoms of mental health struggles, coping methods and how to address racism.

Mental Health Counseling and Therapy Resources

Apps

Conversations About Racism and Mental Health with Dr. Milo

How Racism Makes Us Sick

Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism CNN/Sesame Street Racism Town Hall - Part 2

Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism CNN/Sesame Street Racism Town Hall - Part 3

Educational Articles, Interviews and Podcasts

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Racism has a detrimental impact on our mental health The link between experiences of racism and mental illness is undeniable. Racist acts against POC is affecting the mental health of our country especially those suffering from two of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States: anxiety and depression.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Find resources for suicide prevention focused on supporting individuals in minority communities.

In this section

General resources

Inclusive Therapists is a mental health community that commits to and practices: advancing justice & equity for all intersectional identities; culturally affirming & responsive client care; centering the needs of marginalized, underserved populations; celebrating all identities and abilities in all bodies; decolonizing & destigmatizing mental healthcare; and dismantling systemic oppression & white supremacy in mental healthcare. On Instagram @inclusivetherapists.

Melanin & Mental Health® was born out of a desire to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. They are committed to promoting the growth and healing of our communities through their website, online directory, and monthly events. On Instagram @melaninandmentalhealth.

At AAKOMA Project the mission is to help diverse teenagers and their families achieve optimal mental health through dialogue, learning, and the understanding that everyone deserves care and support. We believe deeply that Mental health research and care must benefit everyone.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health encourages their partners to educate their communities about the importance of improving access to mental health care and treatment and to help break down other barriers such as negative perceptions about mental illness.

Black community

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's vision is to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the African-American community.

Lee Thompson Young Foundation envisions a world in which mental illness is recognized by all as a treatable, biopsychosocial disorder and the stigma associated with it no longer exists; a world that supports and encourages wholeness and well being at every stage of life. They focus on mental health education for African American communities.

Black Girls Smile's vision is of a society that focuses on ensuring all young African American females receive the resources and support necessary to lead mentally healthy lives.

Untreated mental illness can also make African American men more vulnerable to substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and homicide. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and NIMHD have launched Brother, You're on My Mind: Changing the National Dialogue Regarding Mental Health Among African American Men, an initiative to help start conversations about mental health. Find additional information or download their toolkit.

Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. On Instagram @therapyforblackgirls.

Therapy for Black Men understands that finding the right therapist can often be a lengthy and challenging process, and Black men may not know where to begin. Determining what kind of therapist is best suited for treating a particular issue is not the easiest of tasks. TherapyForBlackMen.org is a directory to help men of color in their search for a therapist. Using the directory, men can search by therapist location and specialization. Searching by location, the results will include the therapists near you and will display their credentials, location, and the issues they treat. At TherapyForBlackMen.org, men will also find a wide range of resources aimed at helping them in their search for a multiculturally-competent therapist.

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective is a collective of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities. They envision a world where there are no barriers to Black healing. Their mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts. On Instagram @_beamorg.

Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing. We are becoming the ones we've been waiting for. On Instagram @thelovelandfoundation.

Hispanic/Latinx community

National Alliance for Hispanic Health works to ensure that health incorporates the best of science, culture, and community. They achieve this by listening to the individual, investing in leading community based organizations, working with national partners, examining and improving the resources and systems available, and designing solutions to make health a part of each person's life. They continually work to improve the quality of care and its availability to all.

SanaMente/Each Mind Matters is California's mental health movement. They are millions of individuals and thousands of organizations working to advance mental health. They offer a website full of culturally focused info on mental health in Spanish.

The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) was established to fill a need for a unified national voice for Latino populations in the behavioral health arena and to bring attention to the great disparities that exist in areas of access, utilization, practice based research and adequately trained personnel.

Comunilife's unique Life is Precious™/La Vida es Preciosa program prevents suicide in young Latinas - the teen population with the highest rate of suicide attempt in the country. Life is Precious™ combines individual and group counseling, arts therapy, academic support, and nutritional and fitness activities. Psychiatric services are provided by partnering clinics.

Founded in 1974, MANA, A National Latina Organization® (MANA) is a national grassroots membership organization with chapters, individual members and affiliates across the country. MANA represents the interests of Latina women, youth and families on issues that impact our communities. MANA contributes the leading Latina voice on many of the major issues in the public sphere, particularly in the areas of education, health and well-being, financial literacy, equal and civil rights, and immigration reform.

Therapy for Latinx is a new online database that makes it easy for Latinx people to find mental health professionals in their own communities. Therapy For Latinx is easy to use for both mental health professionals and people seeking mental health treatment. If you are looking for the therapist, you can search the database via state, or add keywords if you are searching for a special focus. For Latinx therapists who want to be included in the database, the listing form is simple and straightforward. The resource is also available in both English and Spanish, and, what's more, Therapy For Latinx offers free online mental health screenings in partnership with Mental Health America. On Instagram @therapyforlatinx.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. APIAHF envisions a world where all people share responsibility and take action to ensure healthy and vibrant communities for current and future generations.

Asian Mental Health Collective's mission is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care, promote emotional well-being, and challenge the stigma concerning mental illness amongst Asian communities globally.

South Asian Mental Health Alliance is a new non-profit community network engaging, educating and mobilizing the BC South Asian community around issues related to mental health. On Instagram @southasianmentalhealthalliance.

Native and Indigenous Peoples communities

The Center for Native American Youth believes all Native American youth should lead full and healthy lives, have equal access to opportunity, and draw strength from their culture and one another. As a policy program, they work to improve the health, safety, and overall well-being of Native American youth through youth recognition, inspiration and leadership; research, advocacy, and policy change; and by serving as a national resource exchange.

Sign up for email alerts

Join our network and be the first to take action

© 2020 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. All rights reserved.

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Find resources for suicide prevention focused on supporting individuals in minority communities. In this section Inclusive Therapists is a mental health community that commits to and practices: advancing justice & equity for all intersectional identities; culturally affirming & responsive client care; centering the needs of marginalized, underserved populations; celebrating all identities and abilities in all bodies; decolonizing & destigmatizing mental healthcare; and dismantling systemic oppression & white supremacy in mental healthcare.

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In crisis?
Text STEVE to 741741
for support

BE ENCOURAGED

It's OK not to be OK.
It is our goal to normalize talking about mental health conditions and
suicide in order to prevent loosing more lives. Watch as N'Shay and her
son Elijah sit down and have the tough conversation.

Black Girl Smile

Black Girls Smiles is in partnership with Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to provide free therapy sessions for Black teen girls. Mention OSPF and they will move your request to the front of the line and tell you how many free sessions you will receive.

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In crisis? Text STEVE to 741741 for support BE ENCOURAGED It's OK not to be OK. It is our goal to normalize talking about mental health conditions and suicide in order to prevent loosing more lives. Watch as N'Shay and her son Elijah sit down and have the tough conversation.

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So many wonderful ways to learn how to breathe

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So many wonderful ways to learn how to breathe

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Life can be stressful. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it could affect your health. Learn more at https://go.nih.gov/HcjwFWe . #shareNIMH

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Life can be stressful. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it could affect your health. Learn more at https://go.nih.gov/HcjwFWe . #shareNIMH

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Read about the benefits of taking deep breaths here. Then follow links below for exercises to help put it into practice.

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Read about the benefits of taking deep breaths here. Then follow links below for exercises to help put it into practice.

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Follow the video to get started!

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APPS THAT ASSIST with Breathing exercises and Meditation

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APPS THAT ASSIST with Breathing exercises and Meditation

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Headspace:  www.headspace.com

Calm:  https://blog.calm.com/take-a-deep-breath

Breathe+

SimpleHabit

3 Minute Mindfulness

https://insighttimer.com/

HOW WE FEEL (Mrs. Sicking's Fav!)

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FREE GUIDED MEDITATIONS in English and Spanish!

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FREE GUIDED MEDITATIONS in English and Spanish!

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Meditation translations were made possible by the Center for Health Services and Society, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in collaboration with Together-for-Wellness, a resource-rich website that is part of the CalHOPE initiative funded by FEMA.

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Extremely cool video on impact and use of Mindfulness, but keep scrolling down for more ideas!

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Extremely cool video on impact and use of Mindfulness, but keep scrolling down for more ideas!

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Under Pressure - 2018 Version - Mindfulness in Schools - Mindfulness for Teens

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Enchanting Autumn Forests with Beautiful Piano Music - 4K Autumn Ambience & Fall Foliage

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Using our Senses to help us explore all that is around us. 

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Using our Senses to help us explore all that is around us. 

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Grounding Exercise

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Be sure to pan around on this feature, explore all that is around you.

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Virtual Nature 360° - 5.7K Nature Meditation for Oculus Quest

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CANDLES AND WIND CHIMES

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🕯Virtual Candles: Relaxing Burning Tea Lights with Soothing Wind Chimes (HD)

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Set your gaze and breathe. Follow one creature and notice the immediate surroundings then widen your gaze for the full experience

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2 Hours of Beautiful Coral Reef Fish, Relaxing Ocean Fish, & Stunning Aquarium Relax Music

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Do you know who John Muir was? Take a stroll around through his eyes and voice!

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Do you know who John Muir was? Take a stroll around through his eyes and voice!

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This short film is based on the writings of naturalist, author and environmental philosopher John Muir. It is a an ode to wilderness, and was filmed in the Scottish Highlands.

For more information about the John Muir trust visit https://www.johnmuirtrust.org

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https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

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Online tours - Enjoy the Louvre at home!

1. Back to Home

2. See all breadcrumbs

3. Online tours

Virtual tours

From afar. Travelling Materials and Objects

Through materials and objects, this exhibition describes exchanges between distant worlds - exchanges often far more ancient than the explorations of the 16th century. From deepest antiquity, carnelian, lapis lazuli, ebony and ivory circulated along trade routes...

Louvre at home

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Online tours - Enjoy the Louvre at home!

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Online tours - Enjoy the Louvre at home! Back to Home See all breadcrumbs Online tours Virtual tours Through materials and objects, this exhibition describes exchanges between distant worlds - exchanges often far more ancient than the explorations of the 16th century. From deepest antiquity, carnelian, lapis lazuli, ebony and ivory circulated along trade routes...

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Tap into your creative side, whether in art form that you create in writing, painting, drawing, crocheting, or even just by going to a musical or theatrical  perfomance, they all have a place in supporting your mental wellness. 

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Tap into your creative side, whether in art form that you create in writing, painting, drawing, crocheting, or even just by going to a musical or theatrical  perfomance, they all have a place in supporting your mental wellness. 

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Creative Kidz: Drawing Exercises || At Home Art Room ||

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https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/collection/poems-about-overcoming-hardships/

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Lists about: Best Books Ever, Best Books of the 20th Century, Best Books of the Decade: 2000s, Best Historical Fiction, The Best Epic Fantasy (fiction), ...

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Common Sense Media editors help you choose Best Teen Movies. Make teens an offer they can't refuse with these five-star films.

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Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, United States About Podcast A podcast from CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding) discussing issues related to the world of youth culture, children, teens, and young adults. This podcast is co-hosted by CPYU President Walt Mueller and Jason Soucinek. Frequency 1 episode / month Podcast youth-culture-matters-a-cpyu..
Facebook fans 4.5K ⋅ Twitter followers 10.3K ⋅ Social Engagement 1ⓘ ⋅ Domain Authority 67ⓘ ⋅ Alexa Rank 29.1Kⓘ

Australia About Podcast Amanda Rootsey, founder of teen personal development school, 'Shine From Within,' interviews experts about what's going on for youth today. From psychological insights to practical advice on how to hold a safe space for teens. Frequency 7 episodes / year Podcast shinefromwithin.com.au/the-y..
Facebook fans 2.8K ⋅ Instagram Followers 3.5K ⋅ Domain Authority 26ⓘ ⋅

Seattle, Washington, United States About Podcast TruthLinesVoice is a podcast for teens and young adults that are capturing the voice of youth, revolutionizing the way they think, and creating new ways of 'being' in the world. Dare to be different and take risks, conquer your fears and take charge of your own journey. Frequency 1 episode / day Podcast truthlines.com/podcasts
Facebook fans 108 ⋅ Twitter followers 22 ⋅ Instagram Followers 103 ⋅ Domain Authority 13ⓘ ⋅

About Podcast Come explore, examine, and explain youth culture as well as the people who interact. It is hosted by Wynter Sturtevant and recorded at the Ethos Youth Center in Mariposa, Wyse Cast is sure to give any listener a better idea of youth culture. Listen as he invites the guests to discuss youth culture, youth programs of all sorts ( educational, preventional, etc.), and anything else related to young people. Frequency 2 episodes / month Podcast wysecast.com
Domain Authority 8ⓘ ⋅

About Podcast Like many young girls, I struggled to find myself, dealt with anxiety, and constantly compared myself to others. As a Teen Life Coach, my mission is to help guide other teen girls in developing confidence and facing their fears. Frequency 1 episode / week Also in Life Coach Podcasts Podcast palmstreet.co/the-podcast
Instagram Followers 358 ⋅ Domain Authority 9ⓘ ⋅

California City, California, United States About Podcast Welcome to the Young and Ambitious Podcast hosted by Siena Mirabella and Emily Elizabeth Duong. Just two young & ambitious gals here to share their journey with you as well as keep you motivated and informed on how to be a modern-day girl boss! Frequency 2 episodes / quarter Podcast youngandambitious.libsyn.com
Instagram Followers 2.3K ⋅ Domain Authority 12ⓘ ⋅ Alexa Rank 4.7Kⓘ

Wicklow, Ireland About Podcast YouthPod Ireland is a podcast for and about young people that covers the important issues like; mental health, well-being, drugs and alcohol education, and much more! Frequency 1 episode / week Podcast youthpodireland.libsyn.com
Twitter followers 48 ⋅ Social Engagement 6 ⋅ Domain Authority 11 ⋅ Alexa Rank 4K

About Podcast Youth Express features the original writing, music, theater, journalism, and reflections from Pittsburgh-area youth. Frequency 2 episodes / month Podcast youthexpress.libsyn.com
Domain Authority 9 ⋅ Alexa Rank 4.2K

Los Angeles, California, United States About Podcast Five stressed, sleep-deprived, yet energetic teens sit down and talk about the struggles that come with being a teenager. Is high school really as bad as everyone says? Listen to the latest episodes of Teenager Therapy. Frequency 1 episode / week Podcast anchor.fm/teenagertherapy
Twitter followers 3.4K ⋅ Instagram Followers 37.7K ⋅ Domain Authority 76 ⋅ Alexa Rank 4.8K

About Podcast My name is Skylie Folkers! This podcast is all about all the stuff I go through as a young girl in this world and I think other girls can relate. I will talk about struggles and how God has helped me through them. And I will also try to give you all encouragement for your lives! I put out a new episode every Saturday! Frequency 1 episode / week Podcast anchor.fm/skylie
Domain Authority 76 ⋅ Alexa Rank 7.5K

About Podcast Welcome to my first ever podcast, The Life Of A Teenage Girl. I hope you enjoy listening about things that that happen in my life or things that I have an interest in. Thanks for stopping by! Frequency 6 episodes / year Podcast anchor.fm/mochi-fam
Domain Authority 76 ⋅ Alexa Rank 7.5K

Yellow Springs, Ohio, United States About Podcast Listen to the stories and perspectives from Southwestern Ohio high school students participating in WYSO's Dayton Youth Radio training program. Frequency 1 episode / week Podcast wyso.org/topic/dayton-youth-..
Twitter followers 5K ⋅ Domain Authority 54 ⋅ Alexa Rank 697.9K

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States About Podcast Generation Justice's mission is to inspire youth to become media makers committed to social transformation. This is a multi-media project that gives voice to activism - locally, nationally and internationally. Frequency 1 episode / week Podcast generationjustice.org/podcasts
Facebook fans 3.2K ⋅ Twitter followers 2.4K ⋅ Instagram Followers 1K ⋅ Social Engagement 6 ⋅ Domain Authority 34 ⋅

About Podcast Youth Center Podcast talks about everything related to the youth, their emotions, behaviours, choices and many more. Stay tuned to listen to the latest news. Frequency 3 episodes / month Podcast nayouth.podbean.com
Domain Authority 86 ⋅

About Podcast We help parents and youth workers connect with difficult teens on the fringes of culture and society. Stay tuned to listen to the latest news on The Fringe Youth worker podcast. Frequency 3 episodes / month Podcast fringepodcast.podbean.com
Facebook fans 347 ⋅ Instagram Followers 335 ⋅ Domain Authority 86 ⋅

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Top 15 Youth Podcasts You Must Follow in 2020

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Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, United States About Podcast A podcast from CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding) discussing issues related to the world of youth culture, children, teens, and young adults. This podcast is co-hosted by CPYU President Walt Mueller and Jason Soucinek. Frequency 1 episode / month Podcast youth-culture-matters-a-cpyu..

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Get lost in places you've dreamed of visiting!

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While it's hard to beat the experience of seeing a seminal piece of fine art or important historical artifact with your own two eyes, you could easily spend a lifetime traveling the world in search of all of them. Fortunately, the digital age has made it possible-easy, even-to visit some of the world's most famous museums from the comfort of your own home. Here are a dozen of them.

The Louvre is not only one of the world's largest art museums, but it's also one of Paris's most iconic historic monuments. The museum offers free online tours of some of its most important and popular exhibits, such as its Egyptian Antiquities and works from Michelangelo. You can take a 360-degree look at the museum, and click around the rare artifacts to get additional information on their histories.

While the architecture of the Guggenheim's building itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is quite impressive, you don't have to visit the Big Apple to get an up-close view of some of the priceless pieces of artwork inside. The museum makes some of its collections and exhibits available online for people who want to get a taste of what the museum has to offer, including works from Franz Marc, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, and Jeff Koons.

Founded in 1937, the National Gallery of Art is free and open to the general public. For those who aren't in Washington, D.C., it also provides virtual tours of its gallery and exhibits. You can view its current exhibitions and listen to audio and video recordings of past lectures online.
More Articles About Museums:
With a collection that totals more than 8 million objects, London's British Museum makes some of its pieces viewable online. The museum also teamed up with the Google Cultural Institute to offer virtual tours using Google Street View technology.

Washington, D.C.'s National Museum of Natural History, one of the most-visited museums in the world, offers a peek at its wonderful treasures with an online virtual tour of the entire grounds. Viewers are welcomed into its rotunda and are greeted with a comprehensive room-by-room, 360-degree walking tour of all its exceptional exhibits, including the Hall of Mammals, Insect Zoo, and Dinosaurs and Hall of Paleobiology.

The Met is home to over 2 million works of fine art, but you don't have to be in New York City to enjoy them. The institution's website features an online collection and virtual tours of some of its most impressive pieces, including works from Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and Giotto di Bondone. In addition, The Met also works with the Google Cultural Institute to make even more artwork (that's not featured in its own online collection) available for view.

Located in the town of Figueres in Catalonia, Spain, the Dalí Theatre-Museum is completely dedicated to the artwork of Salvador Dalí. It features many rooms and exhibits surrounding every era of Dalí's life and career, and the artist himself is buried here. The museum offers virtual tours of the grounds and a few exhibits.

NASA offers free virtual tours of the Langley Research Center in Virginia, as well as of Ohio's Glenn Research Center. The Space Center Houston also has an app that provides virtual tours, augmented reality experiences, and videos and audio stories about space exploration.

The Vatican Museums feature an extensive collection of important art and classical sculptures curated by the Popes over many centuries. You can take a virtual tour of the museum grounds and iconic exhibits, including Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.

The mission statement of the National Women's History Museum in Alexandria, Virginia, is to educate, inspire, empower, and shape the future "by integrating women's distinctive history and culture in the United States." Part of that mission is delivered through well-curated online exhibits and oral histories.

As its name suggests, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the official museum of the United States Air Force. Centered on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, it houses a wide array of military weapons and aircraft, including the presidential airplanes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon. The museum also offers free virtual tours of its entire grounds, letting you glimpse objects like decommissioned aircraft from World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War.

To help its users discover and view important artworks online in high resolution and detail, Google partnered with more than 1200 cultural institutions from around the world to archive and document priceless pieces of art and to provide virtual tours of museums using Google Street View technology. The Google Art Project features fine art from the White House, the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, and even São Paulo street art from Brazil. Here's a complete list of museums you can visit virtually.

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12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online

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You don't have to leave your couch to take in a little culture. Find out which world-famous museums you can virtually visit today.

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Download and begin your own Gratitude Journal!

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Download and begin your own Gratitude Journal!

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Start each day with an inspiring quote sent directly to your inbox. These simple yet powerful messages will help you to live each day with passion and purpose.

Start each day with an inspiring quote sent directly to your inbox. These simple yet powerful messages will help you to live each day with passion and purpose.

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Our bodies need nourishment every day. So we feed them. We give them water. We make sure we get enough rest. Our souls need nourishment every day, too. With spiritual wisdom from Matthew Kelly and other leading Catholic authors of our time, Daily Reflections will help you focus on what really matters so you can become the-best-version-of-yourself. Sign up for free today.

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Start each day with an inspiring quote sent directly to your inbox. These simple yet powerful messages will help you live each day with passion and purpose.

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Brendan McManus, SJ, shares his reflection on today's retreat:

Even though life is messy, and it can feel that things are sometimes falling apart, there is something deep in us that wants to believe in a deeper reality. We want to believe that there is meaning to our lives, a caring God, life after death, and real hope. We might recall loved ones who have passed, the way our lives are filled with moments of dying and rising, and a stubborn optimism in a loving God. The irony is that facing our mortality and the reality of death allows us to really live and love. If you could live from love and accept God's free gift to you, what would your life look like?

​Brendan McManus, SJ

​Brendan McManus, SJ, is an avid hiker whose love of pilgrimage emerged during his Jesuit training when he and a companion begged their way across northern Spain.

Books by ​Brendan McManus, SJ

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Even though life is messy, and it can feel that things are sometimes falling apart, there is something deep in us that wants to believe in a deeper reality. We want to believe that there is meaning to our lives, a caring God, life after death, and real hope.

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WANT MORE 3 MINUTE RETREATS? FIND MORE by clicking here!

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WANT MORE 3 MINUTE RETREATS? FIND MORE by clicking here!

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View archives for past 3-Minute Retreats.

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Reckless Love (Radio Version) [Lyric Video] | Cory Asbury

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Raise a Hallelujah (Live) [Lyric Video] | Bethel Music

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Slow me down, Lord! That I may grow toward the stars
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind.
Steady my harried pace
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me,
Amidst the confusions of my day,
The calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves
With the soothing music
Of the singing streams
That live in my memory.
Help me to know
The magical power of sleep,
Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations
Of slowing down
To look at a flower;
To chat with an old friend
Or make a new one;
To pet a dog;
To watch a spider build a web;
To smile at a child;
Or to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me each day
That the race is not always won by the swift;
That there is more to life
Than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew great and strong
Because it grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
Into the soil of life's enduring values
Of our greater destiny.

- Offered by Dave Johnson and Kyra Shahid; Written by Orin L. Crain

Your Peace

God, who is more than we can ever comprehend,
help us to seek you,
and you alone.
Help us to stand before all that we could do
and seek what you would do,
and do that.
Lift from us our need to achieve all that we can be
and instead,
surrender to what you can be in us.
Give us ways to refrain from the busyness
that will put us on edge and off center,
give us today your peace.
- Author Unknown
I Want To Be Available

Holy and perfect God,
you know I want to be available.
Help that desire sink deeply enough into my being
for me to actually change
and to say "no" to a least one worthy, but not urgent, task today.
Give me the ability to be open to the life I am leading;
not the one I am planning to lead.
- Author Unknown
A Prayer for Inner Peace

Lord, please put Your peace in my heart.
I'm worried and anxious.
My mind races and obsesses.
I can't help thinking about my problems.
And the more I think about them,
the more depressed I become.
I feel like I'm sinking down in quicksand
and can't get out.
Calm me, Lord.
Slow me down, put Your peace in my heart.

No matter what problem I have, Lord,
You are bigger,
You are more powerful than it is.
So I bring my problem to You.
I know what I want.
I know my will.
I do not know Yours.
I do not know how You will use this problem for my salvation.
I do not know what good You will workout from this evil.
But I trust You.
I trust Your goodness and Your wisdom.
So I place myself in Your hands.
Please fill my heart with peace.
- Author Unknown
A Christian Prayer for Peace of Mind

Almighty God, We bless you for our lives, we give you praise for your abundant mercy and grace we receive. We thank you for your faithfulness even though we are not that faithful to you.
Lord Jesus, we ask you to give us all around peace in our mind, body, soul and spirit. We want you to heal and remove everything that is causing stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives.
Please guide our path through life and make our enemies be at peace with us. Let your peace reign in our family, at our place of work, businesses and everything we lay our hands on.
Let your angels of peace go ahead of us when we go out and stay by our side when we return.
In Jesus' name,

- Author Unknown

A Prayer to Heal Stress

Loving God, please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart. My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can't seem to find my balance so I stumble and worry constantly. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me. I trust your Love God, and know that you will heal this stress. Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night. Please bring me clarity with the light of God.
In your name I pray,

- Author Unknown

Prayer for Peace and Calm

Dear Lord and Father of humankind,
Forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.
- John Greenleaf Whittier
Within Our Reach: Joy

There is nothing I can give you which you have not;
But there is much, very much, that while I cannot give,
You can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take heaven!
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take peace!
The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our
Reach is joy.
Take joy!
There is a radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see,
And to see we have only to look.
I beseech you to look!
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by the covering,
Cast them away as ugly, or heavy, or hard.
Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor,
Woven of love, by wisdom, with power.
Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel's hand
That brings it to you.
Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty
Believe me, that angel's hand is there, the gift is there,
And the wonder of an overshadowing presence.
Our joys, too, be not content with them as joys.
They, too, conceal diviner gifts.
Life is so full of meaning and purpose,
So full of beauty beneath its covering-
That you will find earth but cloaks your heaven.
And so, at this time, I greet you.
Not quite as the world sends greetings,
But with profound esteem
And with the prayer that for you, now and forever,
The day breaks, and all the shadows flee away.
- Fra Giovanni, Christmas Eve, 1513 A.D.
Prayer for Calmness

As he sat by the river,
the eyes of his understanding began to be opened;
not that he saw any vision,
but he understood and learnt many things,
both spiritual matters and matters of faith and of scholarship,
and this with so great an enlightenment
that everything seemed new to him.
- Ignatius of Loyola, The Autobiography
Jesuitresource.org is developed by The Center for Mission
and Identity at Xavier University with support from the Conway
Institute for Jesuit Education. To learn more about us, click here.

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Slow me down, Lord! That I may grow toward the stars Ease the pounding of my heart By the quieting of my mind. Steady my harried pace With a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, Amidst the confusions of my day, The calmness of the everlasting hills.

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Christmas According to Kids - Southland Christian Church

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Working it out!

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Talking Twin Babies - PART 2 - OFFICIAL VIDEO

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Animals In Predicaments: Animal Fails (Mar 2018) | FailArmy

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Joke of the Day: Funny Clean Jokes Daily | AJokeADay.com

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Free JOKE OF THE DAY. The Oldest and Most Trusted Source of Funny Clean Jokes. The Top 10 Jokes WIN CASH PRIZES Every Week!

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Below is a list of some of my favorites. Click on the name to link to the joke and then hit the back button to return to this page.

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WHAT DO YOU HAVE AROUND THE HOUSE THAT YOU CAN USE to reduce stress?

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WHAT DO YOU HAVE AROUND THE HOUSE THAT YOU CAN USE to reduce stress?

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*tennis ball -great for squeezing or rolling over muscles
*playdough - for squeezing or creating
*Hot warm wash cloth to soothe or even cool to energize
* draw names, emotions, numbers letters, in a soft blanket, sequin pillow, carpet
* Balloons, bubbles, and pinwheels are great for breathing exercises
*Pop some bubble wrap
* Make home made play dough or slime!
* Deck of cards - how good can you get at throwing toward a target.
*Games like Dominoes or Jenga challenges where you work on problem solving, taking deep breaths and maybe even teamwork.
* While essential oils and diffusers can be great. What do you have around the house that you can infuse your senses with?Citrus peels, chocolate, cinnamon, fresh cut grass, spring flowers will all work well.

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If you don't have a pet to snuggle with or dote on take a virtual field trip to the zoo.

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Key Takeaways

Amid the challenges of the pandemic, now more than ever is a time to be kind. Simply sending a thoughtful note to a faraway friend, shoveling snow from an elderly neighbor's driveway, or agreeing to an afternoon of free babysitting for a busy parent can make a huge difference in someone's day.

But random acts of kindness aren't only meaningful to the recipient-they provide important benefits to those who perform them, as well.

"Performing a selfless act increases one's sense of gratitude, as one is in a position to do something generous for another person," explains Desreen N. Dudley, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at Teladoc. "Doing a kind act for another person can increase the sense of feeling connected to another person, which in turn helps people see the worth and value in their own lives."

With National Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up on February 17, let's take a look at the science-backed health benefits of being kind to others and how these acts of service can offer extra emotional support during the pandemic.

Mental Health Benefits of Kindness

Being kind can go a long way toward improving your emotional wellbeing. A 2019 study in The Journal of Social Psychology found that people who performed kindness activities for seven days saw a boost in happiness. The degree to which their happiness increased was directly tied to the number of acts of kindness they performed.

"Giving back to society is not a purely altruistic concept-we feel better by giving or being kind, therefore the act benefits both parties," says Meghan Marcum, PsyD, chief psychologist at A Mission for Michael, a mental and behavioral health treatment center in Southern California.

There are a few reasons why being kind benefits our mental health, including biological and social effects.

"Performing acts of kindness has measurable impacts on our mental health by increasing the neurotransmitters in the brain that make us feel satisfied and overall good: serotonin and dopamine," says Rachel Slick, LCSW, a behavioral health clinician at UCHealth, which recently launched a health initiative focused on random acts of kindness.

"Random acts of kindness toward others can increase oxytocin, which is a hormone that makes us feel connected to each other and that we can trust each other," Slick says. These three chemicals can have a profound impact on our mood and overall happiness.

Being kind can help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well. A study in the journal Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science found that people who practiced a kindness mindset had 23% lower cortisol levels than the average person.

What's more, doing something nice for others helps strengthen social ties and the sense that you're part of a community.

Diana Samuel, MD

"These acts can help you feel more connected with others which helps strengthen a sense of belonging and can directly influence loneliness and improve relationships," says Diana Samuel, MD, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Slick adds that this effect is especially important right now, when many people are feeling lonely and isolated during the pandemic. "It is important to foster a sense of connectedness even when we may not be spending time together face-to-face," she says.

Given its proven emotional benefits, kindness is now sometimes used as a part of treatment for depression and anxiety, says Hoorie Siddique, PhD, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist and owner of Embolden Psychology. "For many of the young folks I work with, I actually recommend volunteering or community service as part of the treatment plan. And practicing kindness decreases overall anxiety and depression."

Hoorie Siddique, PhD

Kindness Improves Physical Health

Your physical health may also improve when you regularly treat others with kindness. Part of these health benefits may be positive side effects of the effects of kindness on our brains and emotions.

For example, reducing the stress hormone cortisol can lead to improvements in overall wellbeing, explains Dudley. Having high levels of cortisol for an ongoing period of time can create inflammation and increase your risk of weight gain and heart disease.

Other physical health benefits may be derived from the neurotransmitters released by acts of kindness, says Slick.

Rachel Slick, LCSW

Being of service to others may also increase your longevity. A five-year study from the Association for Psychological Science found that older married adults who provided support to their spouses, friends, neighbors, and relatives had a significant reduction in mortality.

Those findings were echoed in a study in The Journals of Gerontology. It found that in an ethnically diverse group of older adults, those who gave social support to others experienced much lower rates of mortality compared with those who didn't offer assistance.

Giving Back During the Pandemic

Consistency is important if you want to reap the physical and emotional health benefits of kindness. Don't think of it a random act of kindness as a one-and-done event, but rather part of an ongoing everyday effort.

Meghan Marcum, PsyD

Opportunities to perform random acts of kindness might have been more abundant in normal times. But during the pandemic, financial challenges and health precautions mean you might need to get creative to be of genuine service to someone else.

Here are a few free or low-cost ways to perform random acts of kindness during the pandemic:

Reach out to a loved one. "Check in with friends and family, just to let them know you're thinking about them," says Marcum, adding that you could also send a postcard to a friend you haven't connected with in a while.

Give an exhausted parent a break. "Babysit for a parent who works from home, while their children are engaged in virtual learning. Being able to help the child, maybe making a snack, or even serving lunch can be tremendously helpful to a parent," says Siddique.

Praise a local business. "Leave a positive Google or Yelp review after a good experience at a local restaurant or store," says Slick. "This is especially helpful to them during the challenges of the pandemic."

Donate your gently used clothing. Towels and blankets can be especially welcome at animal shelters, Slick suggests.

Send a thank-you email to a colleague.

Set aside time to volunteer. "Food drives need helpers to arrange meal boxes and hand out at drive-up locations," says Dudley.

Help a neighbor maintain their yard or driveway. "Plow snow or mow the lawn of someone that could use the extra help," says Samuel.

And if you do have room in your budget, consider paying for another customer's coffee or meal next time you're at the drive-through. In December 2020, a Dairy Queen customer who did this sparked a chain reaction, leading to more than 900 cars of customers covering each other's meals in Minnesota. It shows how one small act of kindness can snowball into something larger that makes everyone's days just a little bit brighter.

What This Means For You

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.

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How Random Acts of Kindness Can Boost Your Health During the Pandemic

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Amid the challenges of the pandemic, now more than ever is a time to be kind. Simply sending a thoughtful note to a faraway friend, shoveling snow from an elderly neighbor's driveway, or agreeing to an afternoon of free babysitting for a busy parent can make a huge difference in someone's day.

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Ask anyone who has spread mulch in their yard, and they'll tell you that yard work is quite the workout! Whether hauling mulch, spreading soil, raking leaves, or pulling weeds, you're guaranteed to break a sweat. That's because gardening works all your major muscle groups. Even something as simple as planting flowers involves squatting, which engages your legs for support, your core muscles for balance, and your arms and shoulders for digging.

That's just one example of how working outside can give you a workout! As the spring weather rolls in, it's the perfect time to get outside and garden-you'll transform your yard and your body (by burning extra calories and working those muscles).
By using the outdoors as your own personal gym you'll rake-in the benefits! Fresh air is always uplifting, especially in the springtime. Being outside is a great way to relieve stress and relax. Plus, sunshine helps boost Vitamin D production, which aids in the absorption of calcium.

Heavy yard work is a great way to add variation to your regular exercise program, while light gardening can be great for exercise beginners. If you do yard work as a way to burn calories, take full advantage of what the great outdoors have to offer:

Use a push mower instead of a riding tractor. This adds intensity so that you're working harder, elevating that heart rate, and burning more calories.

If you are raking up leaves, change the movement and direction to make full use of your muscles. Rake in front of your body to target your shoulders. Rake both right to left and left to right to work both arms evenly. This way, you'll help prevent blisters by avoiding repetitive motions too.

If you're using a wheelbarrow to haul yard waste, soil, or mulch, take an extra loop or two around your garden before you set your goods down.

When digging, switch back and forth between hands so that you are utilizing both arms.

Instead of using a small watering can, heave the heavy hose around the yard with you. You'll also have to use those muscles to put it away and wind it up when you're done.

You may have experienced some aching muscles after working outside in the past, but there are actually several things you can do to prevent this soreness while still enjoying the outdoors:

Yard work utilizes your major muscle groups just like any workout. So, always warm up first by simply taking a short walk around your yard or down the block to get the blood flowing to your muscles.

Then, try some light stretches for your hamstrings and lower back (especially if you'll be doing a lot of bending).

It's a good idea to take a few breaks throughout the day to drink some extra water and do some additional stretching.

As an active gardener, you can grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables! Ask you local gardening center about setting up a pot for tomato vines or green peppers. There is nothing better than fresh, homegrown produce to motivate you to eat healthier.

Grow! Enjoy the outdoors. Weed, mulch, dig and rake. Try all of these activities, get your hands in the dirt, and include yard work as a part of your healthy lifestyle.

You will earn 5 SparkPoints

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Ask anyone who has spread mulch in their yard, and they'll tell you that yard work is quite the workout! Whether hauling mulch, spreading soil, raking leaves, or pulling weeds, you're guaranteed to break a sweat. That's because gardening works all your major muscle groups.

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See what creative service opportunities are available.

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BE A LIGHT TO OTHERS    find ways to be a helper and while your at it, catch other's doing something good!

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BE A LIGHT TO OTHERS    find ways to be a helper and while your at it, catch other's doing something good!

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many free videos to suit your workout from home interest!

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YMCA 360 offers online exercise, fitness, wellbeing, and youth sports classes from the comfort of your own home. Popular classes like yoga, barre, bootcamp, tai chi, boxing, weightlifting and soccer are free for you and your family.

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8 reasons healthy sleep should be non-negotiable

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It's well-established that sleep is essential to our physical and mental health. But despite its importance, a troubling percentage of people find themselves regularly deprived of quality sleep and are notably sleepy during the day.

Though there's a wide range of causes and types of sleeping problems, expert consensus points to a handful of concrete steps that promote more restful sleep. Organizations like the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, and the American Academy of Family Physicians point to the same fundamental tips for getting better rest.

For many people, trying to implement all these strategies can be overwhelming. But remember that it's not all-or-nothing; you can start with small changes and work your way up toward healthier sleep habits, also known as sleep hygiene.

To make these sleep hygiene improvements more approachable, we've broken them into four categories:

Creating a Sleep-Inducing Bedroom

Optimizing Your Sleep Schedule

Crafting a Pre-Bed time Routine

Fostering Pro-Sleep Habits During the Day

In each category, you can find specific actions that you can take to make it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up well-rested.

Creating a Sleep-Inducing Bedroom

An essential tip to help fall asleep quickly and easily is to make your bedroom a place of comfort and relaxation. Though this might seem obvious, it's often overlooked, contributing to difficulties getting to sleep and sleeping through the night.

In designing your sleep environment, focus maximizing comfort and minimizing distractions, including with these tips:

Use a High-Performance Mattress and Pillow: A quality mattress is vital to making sure that you are comfortable enough to relax. It also ensures, along with your pillow, that your spine gets proper support to avoid aches and pains.

Choose Quality Bedding: Your sheets and blankets play a major role in helping your bed feel inviting. Look for bedding that feels comfortable to the touch and that will help maintain a comfortable temperature during the night.

Avoid Light Disruption: Excess light exposure can throw off your sleep and circadian rhythm. Blackout curtains over your windows or a sleep mask for over your eyes can block light and prevent it from interfering with your rest.

Cultivate Peace and Quiet: Keeping noise to a minimum is an important part of building a sleep-positive bedroom. If you can't eliminate nearby sources of noise, consider drowning them out with a fan or white noise machine. Earplugs or headphones are another option to stop abrasive sounds from bothering you when you want to sleep.

Find an Agreeable Temperature: You don't want your bedroom temperature to be a distraction by feeling too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature can vary based on the individual, but most research supports sleeping in a cooler room that is around 65 degrees.

Introduce Pleasant Aromas: A light scent that you find calming can help ease you into sleep. Essential oils with natural aromas, such as lavender, can provide a soothing and fresh smell for your bedroom.

Optimizing Your Sleep Schedule

Taking control of your daily sleep schedule is a powerful step toward getting better sleep. To start harnessing your schedule for your benefit, try implementing these four strategies:

Set a Fixed Wake-Up Time: It's close to impossible for your body to get accustomed to a healthy sleep routine if you're constantly waking up at different times. Pick a wake-up time and stick with it, even on weekends or other days when you would otherwise be tempted to sleep in.

Budget Time for Sleep: If you want to make sure that you're getting the recommended amount of sleep each night, then you need to build that time into your schedule. Considering your fixed wake-up time, work backwards and identify a target bedtime. Whenever possible, give yourself extra time before bed to wind down and get ready for sleep.

Be Careful With Naps: To sleep better at night, it's important to use caution with naps. If you nap for too long or too late in the day, it can throw off your sleep schedule and make it harder to get to sleep when you want to. The best time to nap is shortly after lunch in the early afternoon, and the best nap length is around 20 minutes.

Adjust Your Schedule Gradually: When you need to change your sleep schedule, it's best to make adjustments little-by-little and over time with a maximum difference of 1-2 hours per night. This allows your body to get used to the changes so that following your new schedule is more sustainable.

Crafting a Pre-Bed Routine

If you have a hard time falling asleep, it's natural to think that the problem starts when you lie down in bed. In reality, though, the lead-up to bedtime plays a crucial role in preparing you to fall asleep quickly and effortlessly.

Poor pre-bed habits are a major contributor to insomnia and other sleep problems. Changing these habits can take time, but the effort can pay off by making you more relaxed and ready to fall asleep when bedtime rolls around.

As much as possible, try to create a consistent routine that you follow each night because this helps reinforce healthy habits and signals to mind and body that bedtime is approaching. As part of that routine, incorporate these three tips:

Wind Down For At Least 30 Minutes: It's much easier to doze off smoothly if you are at-ease. Quiet reading, low-impact stretching, listening to soothing music, and relaxation exercises are examples of ways to get into the right frame of mind for sleep.

Lower the Lights: Avoiding bright light can help you transition to bedtime and contribute to your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

Disconnect From Devices: Tablets, cell phones, and laptops can keep your brain wired, making it hard to truly wind down. The light from these devices can also suppress your natural production of melatonin. As much as possible, try to disconnect for 30 minutes or more before going to bed.

Fostering Pro-Sleep Habits During the Day

Setting the table for high-quality sleep is an all-day affair. A handful of steps that you can take during the day can pave the way for better sleep at night.

See the Light of Day: Our internal clocks are regulated by light exposure. Sunlight has the strongest effect, so try to take in daylight by getting outside or opening up windows or blinds to natural light. Getting a dose of daylight early in the day can help normalize your circadian rhythm. If natural light isn't an option, you can talk with your doctor about using a light therapy box.

Find Time to Move: Daily exercise has across-the-board benefits for health, and the changes it initiates in energy use and body temperature can promote solid sleep. Most experts advise against intense exercise close to bedtime because it may hinder your body's ability to effectively settle down before sleep.

Monitor Your Caffeine Intake: Caffeinated drinks, including coffee, tea, and sodas, are among the most popular beverages in the world. Some people are tempted to use the jolt of energy from caffeine to try to overcome daytime sleepiness, but that approach isn't sustainable and can cause long-term sleep deprivation. To avoid this, keep an eye on your caffeine intake and avoid it later in the day when it can be a barrier to falling sleep.

Be Mindful of Alcohol: Alcohol can induce drowsiness, so some people are keen on a nightcap before bed. Unfortunately, alcohol affects the brain in ways that can lower sleep quality, and for that reason, it's best to avoid alcohol in the lead-up to bedtime.

Don't Eat Too Late: It can be harder to fall asleep if your body is still digesting a big dinner. To keep food-based sleep disruptions to a minimum, try to avoid late dinners and minimize especially fatty or spicy foods. If you need an evening snack, opt for something light and healthy.

Don't Smoke: Exposure to smoke, including secondhand smoke, has been associated with a range of sleeping problems including difficulty falling asleep and fragmented sleep.

Reserve Your Bed for Sleep and Sex Only: If you have a comfortable bed, you may be tempted to hang out there while doing all kinds of activities, but this can actually cause problems at bedtime. You want a strong mental association between your bed and sleep, so try to keep activities in your bed limited strictly to sleep and sex.

If You Can't Fall Asleep

Whether it's when you first get into bed or after waking up in the middle of the night, you may find it hard to drift off to sleep. These tips help explain what to do when you can't sleep:

Try Relaxation Techniques: Don't focus on trying to fall asleep; instead, focus on just trying to relax. Controlled breathing, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery are examples of relaxation methods that can help ease you into sleep.

Don't Stew in Bed: You want to avoid a connection in your mind between your bed and frustration from sleeplessness. This means that if you've spent around 20 minutes in bed without being able to fall asleep, get out of bed and do something relaxing in low light. Avoid checking the time during this time. Try to get your mind off of sleep for at least a few minutes before returning to bed.

Experiment WIth Different Methods: Sleeping problems can be complex and what works for one person may not work for someone else. As a result, it makes sense to try different approaches to see what works for you. Just remember that it can take some time for new methods to take effect, so give your changes time to kick in before assuming that they aren't working for you.

Keep a Sleep Diary: A daily sleep journal can help you keep track of how well you're sleeping and identify factors that might be helping or hurting your sleep. If you're testing out a new sleep schedule or other sleep hygiene changes, the sleep diary can help document how well it's working.

Talk With a Doctor: A doctor is in the best position to offer detailed advice for people with serious difficulties sleeping. Talk with your doctor if you find that your sleep problems are worsening, persisting over the long-term, affecting your health and safety (such as from excessive daytime sleepiness), or if they occur alongside other unexplained health problems.

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It's well-established that sleep is essential to our physical and mental health. But despite its importance, a troubling percentage of people find themselves regularly deprived of quality sleep and are notably sleepy during the day. Though there's a wide range of causes and types of sleeping problems, expert consensus points to a handful of concrete steps that promote more restful sleep.

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TRY A FEW YOGA POSES to help relax you before sleep.

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TRY A FEW YOGA POSES to help relax you before sleep.

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The Good News Network: Positive Stories 24/7

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Your daily source for only good news: Inspiring stories and images from around the world will make you feel uplifted, optimistic and positive about life.

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Come brighten the world and spread hope with us - InspireMore

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Are you tired of negative media? So are we. At InspireMore, we are making the world a little brighter, one story at a time. Make us a part of your daily routine to get good news, inspiring videos, heartwarming photos, powerful quotes, and more.

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If you and several friends are already interested in forming a book club, congratulations! Your book club is already well on its way.

When prospective members contact you for more information, explain the purpose of the book club and the number of members you're looking for. Interview them briefly about the types of books they like to read, and why they're interested in joining a book club. Let them know when and where the first meeting will be held, and ask them to bring two book suggestions to the meeting. (Additional materials, such as reviews of their suggestions, are always helpful, too!)

The Meeting Place
The location of your book club meetings-a restaurant, library, or your living room-will influence the number of members in the club and vice versa.

If it's in your home, you might want to keep it to eight or less. Ideally, no one member will have to host every meeting of the club. Club members are often willing-and usually eager-to host a meeting of the club at their house.

Still, no one should feel obligated to host a meeting in their home. Aside from hosting, there are other ways members can get involved when the club gets together. If you're hosting in someone's home, decide if refreshments will be served. Try an appetizer or dessert recipe.

If your library has a meeting room available, you may want to open up the club to 12 or more members. Other options for larger book clubs include meeting areas at bookstores, churches, YMCAs, restaurants or hotels. (Some of these may charge a fee-check before you commit.)

Your Virtual Meeting Place
Online book clubs are growing in popularity, and you can invite friends from around the world to join you. As an Oprah.com member, you can start your own discussion thread anytime. You never have to worry about a meeting space, appetizers or cleaning up-and your favorite people can drop in anytime!

The challenge is to make sure members are reading at roughly the same speed so no one gives away the juicy parts! Before you post a message or answer someone's question, read the responses you've missed so you know how far everyone's read.

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how to start begin your own book club group discussion reading club groups

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If you and several friends are already interested in forming a book club, congratulations! Your book club is already well on its way. When prospective members contact you for more information, explain the purpose of the book club and the number of members you're looking for.

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Be prepared to act when emergencies arise with First Aid courses from the American Red Cross. Developed and taught by experts, our training satisfies OSHA, workplace or other regulatory requirements. From personalized learning to interactive scenarios to peer-to-peer learning and hands-on skill practice, you will be prepared to provide care when it's needed most.

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First Aid | Learn How to Perform First Aid | Red Cross

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Get the First Aid training you need. The Red Cross offers online, in-person, and blended courses to help you learn the latest First Aid techniques.

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Any other websites, apps, helpful tips, quotes, uplifting or humor is welcome and will be added to this column, so please email Mrs. Sicking with your input! msicking@mndhs.org

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Any other websites, apps, helpful tips, quotes, uplifting or humor is welcome and will be added to this column, so please email Mrs. Sicking with your input! msicking@mndhs.org

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MND ALUM Rachael Adams has created and published a Journal!

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MND ALUM Rachael Adams has created and published a Journal!

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JOURNEYSTRENGTH - Empowering Your Journey, One Tool At A Time

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Empowering your journey through practical tools and resources for self-discovery, well-being, and an empowering mindset

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Our doors are open! Come on in and if for some reason they are not, it usually means we are with another student or faculty member. However, we value your time with us -so email us if it happens to be that our door is shut, and we will make time for you too!