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April is Stress Awareness Month
| Grounding is a practice that helps us be present and experience what we are doing, seeing and hearing in the moment, while diverting our attention from unpleasant thoughts and stressors, and creating a sense of calm.
One common technique, called spatial grounding, uses our senses to connect to the environment around us. Find a comfortable position and focus on: 5 things you can see 4 things you can feel 3 things you can hear 2 things you can smell 1 thing you can taste Another technique, known as whole body grounding, can include a few moments of deep breathing, followed by intentionally tensing and releasing the muscles beginning with the toes and working your way up through the head and neck. Acknowledge the control you possess over your body and the release of tension upon completion of the exercise. _______________________________________________________________________ NYSSBA's Study Break: Make Stress Your Ally A recent NYSSBA Study Break explains how our perspective on stress can impact our response. Researchers identified a three step process to making stress our ally: recognize and identify the stress, accept it and use it to your benefit. Click HERE to learn more.___________________________________________________________________________ Self-Care to Reduce Stress
A little attention to self-care can go a long way to reducing stress: creating a routine, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, making good food and drink choices, getting physical activity and spending time with loved ones. Using a calendar or tracking device is a great way to stay connected with self-care goals. Read this article from Psychology Today to get inspired and get started! ___________________________________________________________________________ DIY Coping Tools to Reduce Stress Embrace your inner artist, get out and enjoy nature or create a relaxing space. Invite a friend or family member to join you; it may lead to engaging conversation about mental health and wellness. Below are some of our favorite DIY coping tools and activities to help manage stress through self-awareness, self-expression and building connections. Mindful Nature Hunt Creating a Wellness Board Mindful Stones Creating a Calming Space
ReThink Ed ReThinkEd is currently offering free access to their online Social Emotional Learning Suite through the remainder of the school year. Many of their activities and lessons focus on helping children and youth reduce stress. Free SEL Toolkit ______________________________________________________________________ Headspace has partnered with Governor Cuomo to launch a special collection of meditations, sleep and movement exercises to support New Yorkers during these stress filled times. Also available in Spanish. NY State of Mind  _____________________________________________________________________ |
