Winter is traditionally a time to slow down. For many of us, it is difficult to slow down and take time to rest in the days and weeks leading up to the holiday season. If you did not come out of this holiday season feeling rested and ready for the new year, we hope some of the information and tips in this newsletter encourage you to rest and take time for yourself in the months ahead. Taking the time to rest, focus on yourself and connect with what brings you joy will help open you to the possibilities of the new year!

You say you want a break. What’s stopping you?

Learn more from Psychology Today's Yesel Yoon, Ph.D about the mental shifts we need to have about our relationship to time.

Here are a few key things to consider:

• Rest and pleasure are things we need to experience to be mentally, socially, and physically well.
• We can only control the things we pay attention to and prioritize, not how much time we have.
• Breaks from routines help you regain perspective about your life and build momentum toward change.

Click here to read more about how to Stop Delaying Your Need for Rest and Joy.

Strategies for supporting your mental health:

1. Pay attention to your feelings
   Remember that it is okay to feel unhappy during the holidays. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.
2. Develop a plan for when you are feeling stressed, sad, or lonely
   This plan may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings joy, or watching a favorite movie. Having a plan ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable.
3. Practice self-care
   It is important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. This may include reading a good book, working out, spending time in nature, and practicing stress management skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.
4. Connect with community
   If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family and friends as well.
5. Support others
   During this time of year feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check in on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but it can improve your own happiness and well-being.
6. Recognize seasonal mood changes
   Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which people experience symptoms of depression that are triggered by the change in seasons as the days get shorter. While this form of depression often improves in the spring and summer, it is important to talk with your health care provider if you feel you are experiencing these symptoms. Treatment is effective and may include light therapy, antidepressant medication, and/or talk therapy.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs
   For people in recovery, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness, can reduce the risk of substance use. For family and friends, it is important to check in on those who may be struggling with substance use over the holidays.
8. Know when to seek help
   If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available. Below are free and confidential resources that can connect you with effective treatment and support.

You can find dozens of articles online that talk about getting motivated and being productive. These can help you get inspired, of course, but following those tips won’t do you any good if you feel exhausted.

In these crazy times, increasingly more people forget how to relax properly. Neither students nor employees get adequate sleep or have enough time to rest. Many still feel tired even after a break or vacation. The phenomenon of overworking has gradually replaced a more balanced lifestyle with proper resting periods.

That’s why in this article you’ll learn how to overcome the problem of exhaustion. Our team has gathered many useful tips to engage in effective relaxation. After incorporating our advice on resting into your daily routine, you won’t struggle with a lack of productivity or motivation anymore.

The S.O.S Committee will be holding drawings for gift card prizes to those who submit their Kudos for our newsletter. Please consider supporting your fellow community members by using the Kudos file below to create a note for those who deserve encouragement, acknowledgement and thanks.

Kudos Note:

To: Dr. Tara Boyer

Assistant Curriculum Director for Newark City Schools

I just wanted to share how awesome Dr. Boyer was at the Homeless Youth Program Forum. I was in attendance (because the homeless population is near and dear to my heart) and she ROCKED at showing the needs, giving stats on our homeless youth and families and suggesting ideas to help link the disparities across the board! Thanks Tara for helping give input on a population we need help serving in our community and in our schools. The things she shared sparked meaningful questions and conversations! Thanks for representing NCS!!!

Nominated by: Brandi Peach

This month we want to highlight those who showed support and appreciation by using Kudos in their work place. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication

Honorable mention to S.O.S Committee member Ronni Bowyer. Ronni shares a silly picture that represents "rest and rejoicing" for her. It is a picture of she and her friend Susan, treating themselves to appetizers and mimosas at restaurant in August for her birthday. Thank you for sharing Ronni.