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Central Elem. Counselor Newsletter

May 18, 2020 - May 22, 2020

Central Elem.Counselor NewsletterMay 18, 2020 - May 22, 2020

A Note from Your Counselor

Since being home more, I have attempted to make healthier food choices. I would like to improve my eating habits however I don't want to break the bank by spending more money than I usually do on groceries. I found an article with a couple of tips to stay on budget while shopping healthy.


  • Plan your meals - when grocery shopping for healthy options, plan your meals around store discounts or sales. Locating sales can also provide inspiration for healthier meals. For example if chicken breast, brown rice and asparagus are on sale, bake the chicken breast and asparagus and serve over the brown rice. Incorporate lean meat, whole grains, and nutrient rich fruits and vegetables into your meals. Adding manufacturer's or store coupons can increase savings.
  • Buy in bulk - buying nonperishable items (canned foods such as fruits, and vegetables, soups, stews, tuna, beans) in bulk can save you money and help you stay out of the grocery store.
  • Consider the meat counter - plan ahead to see what is on sale. If a meat is on sale consider purchasing the meat in higher quantities to use for leftovers to freeze and use in different ways. You can use the same type of meat during the week to prepare a variety of meals. You can also consider skipping the meat all together since it is a high dollar ingredient. Try incorporating it into your meals a couple of days out of the week and instead try other sources of protein such as nuts, beans and eggs.
  • Farmer's market - buying goods from a local farmer's market is one way to support the local economy and purchase fresh foods. Food from the farmers market is usually more affordable than food from the grocery store. Keeping up with foods that are in season can also help save you money. *Due to the COVID19 pandemic, check with local sources to determine if or when your local farmer's market is open.


https://www.poehealth.org/save-the-piggy-bank-shop-healthy-on-a-budget/

Mindfulness Activity

5,4,3,2,1 Countdown

The 5 step exercise below can be helpful when feeling stress or anxiety. The activity is meant to help you focus on what is going on in the present and take your mind off what is making you anxious and interrupt unhealthy thought patterns. Before starting the activity make sure your breathing is slow and you are taking long deep breaths.


Sit quietly look around you and notice:


5 things you can see

4 things you can physically feel

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste



https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-4-3-2-1-countdown-to-make-anxiety-blast-off

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The mental health community is coming together to show that no one is alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) "You are Not Alone" campaign increases awareness and builds connections. The campaign presents the experiences of people who are affected by mental illness. Their goal is to inspire others, educate the broader public and fight stigma. Take time to visit the link below to learn more about NAMI's "You are Not Alone" campaign.


https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Month


Click the image above for additional resources featured on my web page.