[NFBNJ] MHANJ's Bell Newsletter -- Mental Health Month Video, Mentally Healthy Routines, +++

[joe ruffalo]

Greetings to all!
I have several requests to forward such material provided below.
Please read and share with others.

Each day we get closer to an answer and steps to move to the next day, week, 
month and year!
We will SUCCEED!

Joe

From: Mental Health Association in New Jersey
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 3:17 PM
To: nfbnj1 at verizon.net
Subject: MHANJ's Bell Newsletter -- Mental Health Month Video, Mentally 
Healthy Routines, +++

      #MentalHealthMonth Theme: Tools To Thrive



                                About the MHANJ Bell: As we all navigate the 
COVID-19 Pandemic, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey is publishing 
our Bell email newsletter once per week. Please check our website and social 
media often for updates and additional information.

                                MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

                                May 29, 2020



                                Join our own Lynette Sheard, Director of the 
New Jersey Mental Health Players, and her special guests, Racheal O'Dea, MS, 
AMPT, DRCC, Director of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) 
in Ocean County and Betty Jean, MA, LPC, CCTP, Director of MHANJ's Call 
Center Services, for important information about mental health.








                                Creating Healthy Routines

                                Work, paying bills, cleaning, cooking, 
shopping, exercising, and taking care of children are just some of the 
things millions of Americans do each day. It can feel impossible to get 
everything done, let alone take care of yourself – especially if you are 
experiencing depression or anxiety. By creating routines, our days can be 
structured in a way that makes taking care of tasks and ourselves part of a 
pattern. This can help lead to a sense of accomplishment.

                                Here are some helpful tips:

                                Consider the basics when creating a routine. 
We don’t all have the same schedules or responsibilities and some of us 
struggle with certain parts of daily life more than others. All healthy 
routines should include eating a nutritious diet, exercising and getting 
enough sleep, but your routine does not have to be so rigid that it becomes 
monotonous.

                                Start small. Changing up your day-to-day 
routine all at once probably won’t end up with lasting results. Experts 
suggest picking one small thing to work on each week. It could be adding 
something new and positive, or cutting out a bad habit. Small changes add 
up.

                                Add to your existing habits. You probably 
already have some favorite habits, like drinking a cup of coffee or tea in 
the morning. Try adding new habits or adjusting existing ones. For instance, 
if you want to read more, consider dedicating ten minutes to reading while 
you have your morning beverage.

                                Make swaps. Think about the things you do 
during the day that could be altered to help improve physical and mental 
health. For example, consider taking a brisk walk during a work break.

                                Plan ahead. When life gets hectic, it's easy 
to be tempted to skip out on the new parts of a daily routine. By doing 
things like prepping meals ahead of time, picking out clothes the night 
before work, or having a shortened workout option for the days when you're 
tight on time you can help set yourself up for success even when your 
schedule becomes hectic.

                                Make time for things you enjoy. Consider 
setting aside a minimum of 15 minutes a day to do something you find fun or 
relaxing; this can help release chemical reactions in your body that are 
good for your physical and mental health.

                                Reward yourself for small victories. Setting 
goals and celebrating accomplishments are recommended practices. Have you 
added exercise to your weekly routine and worked out every day as planned 
for the last couple weeks? Treat yourself! Watch a movie you’ve been wanting 
to see or try out that new video game.

                                Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. 
Making life changes can be hard and you might forget or even ignore a new 
habit you are working to develop. Be gentle with yourself. You don’t have to 
be perfect, just try to do better the next day.

                                Sources 1Haines, J., McDonald, J., O’Brien, 
A., Sherry, B., Bottino, C., Scmidt, M.E., Taveras, E.M. (2013) Healthy 
habits, happy homes: randomized trial to improve household routines among 
pre-school-aged children. JAMA Pediatrics, 167,1072-1090. 2Williams, J. 
(2000) Eects of activity limitation and routinization on mental health. The 
Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 20,100S-105S. 3Lallly, P., Van 
Jaarsveld, C.H.M., Potts, H.W.W., Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: 
Modelling habit formation in the real world. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 40, 
998-1009.









                                MHANJ is Here for You

                                MHANJ - Virtually Out and About

                                One of the highlights of Mental Health 
Awareness Month was a presentation by MHANJ’s Community Education 
Coordinator Lynette Sheard. She presented a webinar to over 450 employees on 
"Creativity, Mental Health, and Coping Strategies during the COVID 19 
Crisis" to The Associated Press (AP) on May 20th. The group included 
employees from several countries representing nearly every AP department. It 
was a powerful hour.

                                Virtual Support and Learning Opportunities
                                During these challenging times those of us 
who are used to social gatherings, religious services and commuting to work 
and school every day may be feeling anxious, isolated or bored. The MHANJ 
can help! We offer an array of virtual support and discussion groups. Log in 
or call for insightful remote sessions providing emotional and family 
support and promoting personal development during this challenging time. 
Scroll to peruse our substantial variety of no-cost offerings available from 
the comfort and safety of your own home through Zoom, Facebook, Skype and 
the phone. There’s a host of interactive and educational opportunities 
available to help keep your connections to others going and growing. Please 
join us! Click here to visit our website page where all of the groups are 
posted. Below are a few highlights:

                                 June 1, 2020 Special Guest: Jelani Remy 
from Broadway's THE LION KING




                                   June 2, 2020 Special Guest:
                                Sharon Cockey, Esq.










                                Click here to donate.







                                Follow MHANJ's Social Media for Updates and 
Inspiration

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                                Suggestions?
                                If you have any suggestions on how the MHANJ 
can serve the community,
                                or comments on our services please send them 
to info at mhanj.org

                                Mental Health Association in New Jersey | 
800-367-8850 | info at mhanj.org







                  Mental Health Association in New Jersey | 673 Morris Ave., 
Suite 100, Springfield, NJ 07081
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