self-care Archives - Page 2 of 2

Feb 17

Self-Care for February 2019: The Power of Community

By Theron McInnis | blog, self-care | No Comments

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to reflecting on the experience and history of black Americans. Black History Month grew out of the early Civil Rights movement and stands as a testament to the power of community when it is formed around a shared purpose and goal. To this day, citizens come together to ‘celebrate’ black history as a way of achieving greater political equality.

But communities also have a powerful impact on individual well-being. They provide solace to those in distress, and company to those experiencing isolation. Recent research has shown that people are lonelier than ever and young people between the ages of 18 and 22 are suffering from social isolation and loneliness more than any other generation (Cigna Loneliness Index). At the same time, ongoing racial discrimination has been shown to cause emotional distress and mental health issues (2018 study).

Here are a few tips to help you find community in times of need:

Step Outside. Try spending more time in a common area on campus, a local cafe or restaurant, or a friendly and safe park. You’re likely to find others there looking for a sense of community.

Reach Out. Look for groups on campus that share something with you–be it your home city, your cultural background, or a hobby. Coming together over something in common is a great way to feel less alone.

Celebrate. Whether it’s a holiday you’ve been celebrating your whole life or something new that sparks your curiosity, open gatherings and festivities are great places to share a positive experience with community.

Maya Angelou wrote that “Since life is our most precious gift, let us be certain that it is dedicated to the liberation of the human mind and spirit, beginning with our own.” On behalf of everyone at the Steve Fund, I invite you to seek out your own community as a powerful way to connect with others and support your emotional well-being.

Be well,

Anuja Khemka
Executive Director

Jan 17

Self-Care for January 2019: Back to School

By scrlegacyfund | blog, self-care | No Comments

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Be brave.

—Lao Tzu

Heading back to school—whether it’s back to campus or back in the classroom—often comes with mixed emotions. You might feel excited—and ready—to see your friends and classmates again; while you might also feel anxious about reopening last semester’s academic and social issues.

No matter what’s on your mind, you deserve a clean slate this January. It’s common for people to experience fears and anxieties, negative feelings and emotions, and to feel overwhelmed and stressed, but don’t fret, you can tackle these feelings head on. Here are three tips to help:

Take action. Stressful situations affect all of us from time to time, yet these challenges do not need to hold us back. Choose to start the year by bravely taking action and confronting stressors directly as they arise.
Find your unique strengths. Being conscious of who you are, being true to yourself, and acknowledging your assets and abilities takes a lot of the uncertainty out of life. Harness your own personal power to wrestle with whatever stressors are getting in the way of your progress.
Give yourself a thumbs-up daily. Deliberately choose to be brave in confronting challenges every day. Give yourself a mental thumbs-up every time you do!

And don’t forget, there are supports out there, ready to help you—the Steve Fund is one of them—if any of the challenges you are confronting seem too big to face alone.

On behalf of everyone at the Steve Fund, I want to wish you a happy new year, and encourage you to get excited about setting some goals that matter to you. And don’t be surprised if you exceed your own expectations in 2019!

Be well,

Anuja Khemka
Executive Director