#January Newsletter

by Amourie Johnson January 26, 2021

#LLTJJR January Newsletter

Happy New Year to you all! The start of a new year brings about reflection on goals and resolutions that we want to accomplish. January is Mental Wellness Month and is the awareness about all aspects of your life and how you cope with stressors we face day to day. Wellness can be defined as “the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2021). Mental health is equally as important and physical health and provides a sense of hope that helps us to overcome challenges in our social, emotional, spiritual and financial lives.

Lifestyle changes may be necessary in order to maintain or improve mental wellness. Due to Covid-19, we had to modify our lives last year by enduring lockdowns and social distancing which raised even more concerns and fears for those who suffer with mental health issues. When the world feels chaotic around you, reconnect with yourself and define what is needed to preserve and prioritize your overall mental wellness. Here are a few positive habits to consider when promoting mental wellness:

Schedule time to put aside for mental breaks during your workday
Pick up a fun hobby, like a sport, craft or social activity
Expand your mind with learning more about something that interests you
Try practicing mindfulness and meditation exercises, like yoga and tai chi
Begin journaling to help you reflect on yourself, your successes, and your personal needs
Strengthen your bond and relationship with friends and family members
Try expanding your social support network by making friends with similar interests and life experiences

(Guarino, 2018)

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday this month, he said, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way” (Drakeford, 2021). Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small it may seem, and aspire for greatness in life, one step at a time.

BRAIN WORK

Imagine a single candle with a flame

burning in front of you. What the

candle is standing on is up to you (a

candle holder, a stand, etc.).

Beyond that, there is nothing—

complete blackness. Your focus is

on the flame. It can dance and jump

in whatever way that keeps your

focus. You can walk around it, lean

in to smell it, etc. The challenge is to

keep your focus on the flame and

not let anything interrupt your

attention. If thoughts pop into your

head, throw them into the flame. If

you cannot clear your mind of the

thought(s), stop, rest, and restart

this activity.

This exercise works on the mental skills of Imagery and Attention Control.

Amourie Johnson, RN, MSN

If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Disclaimer: Although I am a health professional, I am not a mental health specialist, and this article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice from a mental health provider. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and will give credit to the source as a guide and reference to my thoughts and views.

#REFERENCES

Drakeford, D. (2021). Martin Luther King Jr. quotes: 21 inspirational sayings for MLK 2021. Retrieved from https://www.ibtimes.com/martin-luther-king-quotes-21-inspirational-sayings-mlk-day-2021-3122378

Guarino, G. (2018). What Is Mental Health Wellness?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved from https://www.healthyplace.com/self-help/self-help-information/what-is-mental-health-wellness

Merriam-Webster (2021). Definition of wellness. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wellness

U.S. Army. Activity Book. Retrieved from https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/application/files/2915/8644/0697/R2_Activity_Book_.pdf

#January Newsletter

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