Friday, October 4, 2024

Be Mindful & In the Moment

 


In this colorful graphic from Positively Present, we are reminded that life is full of many different kinds of moments. It's beneficial that we try our best to appreciate them all - that includes celebrating exciting moments🙌, accepting doubtful moments😟, sitting with questionable moments❓, connecting with the ongoing moments💫, and respecting ending moments.

This all connects with being mindful - learning to focus on how you feel and what is happening around you. It is important to be fully present in what you do, where you are, and with whoever is around you. Start by giving full attention to the moment at hand. When you are truly invested, you are better able to fully engage in life's experiences. 

Some helpful tips to begin mindful practices:

*put your phone away when you spend time with others

*really listen to what others say in conversation and respond thoughtfully

*remind yourself that the task you're currently doing is the only task you need to focus on

*turn the TV off when you eat dinner or any other meal

Being mindful can provide health benefits, like improving sleep and reducing stress levels. Learning how to be mindful is a smart investment in yourself - both physically and mentally. You are worth it!


Thursday, October 3, 2024

October is Substance Use Prevention Month

 


Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), InnerAct Alliance, and our partners in prevention to celebrate Substance Use Prevention Month during October. Major goals of prevention efforts are to delay the age of onset of substance use, prevent progression of use (to a potential substance use disorder), and reduce harm.

As a licensed prevention provider in the Polk, Highlands, and Hardee county areas, InnerAct Alliance works to empower youth to make smart choices and encourage adults to be stronger role models. Our team of prevention professionals provide substance abuse and anti-bullying education in nearly 70 schools, along with tools for youth tobacco, anger management, and other risky behaviors.

Recent statistics from the Annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey show most Polk Teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances - 84% of Polk Teens DO NOT use Alcohol - 87% DO NOT use Marijuana - 96% DO NOT use Traditional Tobacco - 88% DO NOT Vape or use E-Cigarettes.

Support local prevention initiatives to help us stay ahead of substance use by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free program with our school students, PTA, church group, community organization, or business lunch/learn. Please call (863) 802-0777 or visit www.inneractalliance.org


Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Ease Anxiety with a Calm Mind

 


These days everyone seems to be juggling many responsibilities at once. Teens especially may find themselves having to balance schoolwork, exams, duties at home, drama with friends + add in after-school sports, clubs, a part-time job, and that's a lot on their plates. It's no wonder our youth feel a little stressed and overwhelmed now and then.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges among teens. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the "We Think Twice" campaign, about 1-in-3 teens has an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

If life in general has you feeling overwhelmed, check out "Calm Minds: A Guide to Easing Anxiety" to learn the difference between stress, worry, and anxiety. This is a great resource for youth to learn practical tips on how to manage stress, challenge negative thoughts, and build healthy habits.


Tuesday, October 1, 2024

FALL into the Habit of Supportive Self-Care this October!

 



October is the perfect time to "fall" into the habit of making time for supportive self-care to rejuvenate your own health and wellbeing! 
With life's busy days, sometimes it seems impossible to take time for yourself, but in order to do for our families and  others we must nourish our own mind, body, and soul too.🤗

Hope you'll feel inspired by the simple suggestions in this colorful graphic from Positively Present that paint a visual of good intentions for this month. Pause to do something that makes you happy - create your own magic 🪄, face a fear 👻, or harvest new ideas 🍂💡


🧡 We wish you the best October! 🧡