Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

16 September 2022/ Issue No. 218

This past week, Commit to Be Fit was honored to attend and present at the 6th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference in San Diego, California. From the main ballroom stage :), the team shared easily replicated ideas to support students and staff during their presentation, Supporting Our Staff Superheroes: Promoting Mental Wellbeing for All School Staff to More Effectively Help Our Students. While it's always an honor to represent RCPS and share best practices, the team enjoyed meeting other wellness warriors from across the country and learning helpful ways to increase mental wellness for staff and students.

We would like to give a special shoutout to ALL the attendees, speakers, and organizers for their inspiration, expertise, and passion for student mental wellness! We look forward to collaborating with you on this shared journey of supporting our school families.

Students in the ABL Lab have been practicing skipping. This bilateral, gross motor activity recruits coordination and communication between the hemispheres of the brain. Research supports that strengthening this pathway can increase memory, enhance spatial awareness, and more! Plus, the students enjoyed learning and/or mastering this fun movement skill.

Commit to Be Fit had the honor of attending the Art of Aging Lifestyle and Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 10th. Attendees had an opportunity to learn about the free C2BF community classes/workshops, spin a wheel for extra entries in the prize drawing, and test out their reflexes with the ultra fun BlazePods. Thank you to everyone that stopped by the booth. It was so wonderful to see so many community members in attendance.

TO VIEW OUR SEPTEMBER CALENDAR, CLICK HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are classes appropriate for beginners?

Yes! We LOVE beginners! Our welcoming instructor team will provide helpful, thoughtful instructions throughout the classes. Modifications are available to suit most participants. We do ask that you please consult with a doctor before beginning a new workout routine as your safety is our first priority.

What do I need to bring to class?

It's best to wear clothing that you can freely move in and athletic shoes. All equipment is provided but you are welcome to bring your own mat if you wish. Also, water bottles are recommended.

How do I find the locations?

Location information is available on our website www.rappc2bf.com/activities

Have additional questions? Email Holly at hjenkins@rappahannockschools.us

Being able to help others is wonderful. Sometimes you may become so focused on putting others’ needs ahead of yours that you neglect your own needs. Remember to take time for yourself. Taking time to work on you is not selfish. In order to give others your best, you must be at your best. As I heard someone quote it this week, “We all have “stuff.” Work on your “stuff” so you can help them work on their “stuff.”

Technology is a beautiful thing! It allows us to connect with others, but does it? Sure, we can communicate the main points, but it doesn't allow us to truly make a personal connection with others. During the rise of technological advances, the increase of loneliness has also occurred. We are naturally social creatures and thrive on physical and emotional relationships. According to Mental Health America, one key difference between happy and less happy individuals is having good relationships with others. Additionally, feeling close and connected to others can help to improve mood and decrease feelings of stress.

This week, make a point to reach out to a friend or co-worker in person. Or, during dinner, make a point to turn off your phone to truly connect with your family. While it will help to boost your mood, it will also increase the mental well-being of those around you. Make eye contact; share a smile; be happy by embracing the power of genuine social engagement.

Being mindful of your physical, mental, and emotional needs promotes self-care, which builds resilience toward stressors in life that one can’t eliminate. Grant yourself permission to stop and take a break to do something that YOU enjoy! Taking the time to invest in yourself will better equip you to live your best life.

Studies show that self-care can reduce anxiety, depression, and burnout, which in turn will improve happiness and energy levels. Self-care isn’t a one size fits all strategy. Self-care can be in the form of reflection, alone time, movement, nature, connection, or rest. The key is to find activities that nourish your soul and are meaningful to you!

This week's featured recipe is a mix between egg salad and avocado toast from Eating Well. Yum!

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE