Making use of our social media campaign, we decided to host an event called the "Week of Wonderment". This week consisted of self-care activities for our peers and us to complete. We incorporated social media by showing it as a challenge and having students send in pictures of them completing it. We tagged them and showed off their pictures on our instagram page, making it a fun way for people to participate in this challenge. Here are the results!
Cooking can serve as a therapeutic activity that helps reduce anxiety by focusing the mind on a singular task, creating a sense of accomplishment and control(Ross). The sensory experiences involved — such as chopping ingredients and smelling aromas — can be calming and meditative, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress, which is why we decided to start our week off with this event!
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5862744/
https://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/cooking-therapy-mental-health
Performing acts of kindness can significantly boost mental well-being by fostering connections with others and increasing feelings of self-worth. This behavior triggers the release of serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical in the brain, which not only reduces stress and anxiety but also strengthens the overall sense of happiness and satisfaction.
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/mental-health-benefits-simple-acts-of-kindness
Staying off social media can benefit mental health by reducing exposure to constant comparisons and unrealistic portrayals of life, which often lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. It also allows more time for face-to-face interactions and engaging in mindful activities, which are crucial for mental well-being and stress reduction.
Going on walks can significantly improve mental health and alleviate anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Additionally, being outdoors and engaging with nature can help clear the mind, reduce feelings of stress, and enhance overall emotional resilience.
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/mental-benefits-of-walking
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/defeating-depression-naturally
Cleaning your room or workspace can have a positive impact on mental health by creating a sense of order and control, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. A tidy environment can also enhance focus and productivity, contributing to a more relaxed and efficient mental state.
https://www.newporthealthcare.com/resources/press/clean-home-benefits/
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496
Playing with animals can greatly benefit mental health by increasing levels of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and reduces stress. The playful interaction also provides a distraction from daily worries, fostering a sense of present-moment awareness that can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
Exercising regularly can boost mental health by releasing endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters. It also helps to reduce levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, leading to improvements in mood and a decrease in feelings of anxiety and depression.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm