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Tools for the Winter (or any season)
With the hope of a healthy transition into the New Year for our community, our families, and ourselves, CWHC's programs have shared the following recommendations for a variety of care. These suggestions have the need for relaxation and connection in mind as we enter the colder months.
From our Counselors:
Grounding mindfulness practice (3-2-1): When feeling anxious or stressed, this grounding practice can be helpful. Notice 3 things you SEE with your eyes, noting quick details (i.e. orange leaves, red hydrant, fluffy cloud). Notice 2 things you HEAR (i.e. breeze, fan in the room, rustling leaves). Notice 1 thing you FEEL that is tactile, rather than emotional (i.e. breeze on your arm, fuzzy inside of your socks, eyeglass on the bridge of your nose, or ring on your finger). Repeat as needed to help ground yourself in the present moment.
Grow and nurture houseplants (if you have pets, just make sure they'll get along).
From our Health Educators:
Parents Playlists from AMAZE are curated by different parents/caregivers and span a variety of topics, offering tools for starting, guiding, and reflecting on relationship conversations and dynamics with young folx.
From our Alternative Insemination Co-Coordinator:
If you have a partner, massage each other for stress relief, comfort, intimacy, and relaxation. Touch in general releases endorphins!
Acupuncture is great for stress relief, coping with anxiety, general relaxation, and enhancing the immune system. Licensed acupuncturists are also trained to work with immunocompromised individuals, so are especially equipped to safely see clients during a pandemic. (Learn more about acupuncture at CWHC here.)
From our Admin Committee:
Build in breaks to help structure the day, especially when working from home. Consider using a time management tool, such as the Pomodoro method where you work for 25 minutes, then take a 3-5 min break; after 4 cycles of this you take a longer 15-20 minute break.
Stop for desk stretches and give screen-tired eyes a rest with the 20-20-20 approach.
From our Clinical Services Committee:
We're all different - make time to explore the ways of reducing stress and renewing energy that work for you. This can be anything from practicing art, movement, or dance therapy, working with an herbalist to incorporate herbal remedies into your life, working on meditation or breathwork, or doing yoga. Some recommendations can be found here (click here for these recommendations in Spanish).