Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey

Barbara Stewart started “Socks for the Soul” in 2014 as a way to give back. She also discovered how doing so contributes to her own wellness. Learn more about her meaningful journey of helping others– and herself.

Media Literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. Media include television, magazines, newspapers, advertisements, social media, memes, gifs, and more. Media literacy skills relate to intellectual wellness and can help us stay up to date on what is happening around us in a mindful way.

A common theme has been emerging from casual conversations, about the therapeutic value of…gardening! Some have even claimed to enjoy weeding! Considering the challenges so many are experiencing now, it is refreshing to hear of the joy so many are getting out of their gardens…and music!

An important component of wellness is focusing on the strengths and discovering the lessons and meaning in our challenges and adversities. Now more than ever is it important to keep ourselves focused on the wellness model to help regain a sense of balance and order since our habits and routines have been disrupted due to the pandemic. Read more about the wellness model in this issue of Words of Wellness.

Maintaining a journal has used for centuries to support emotional wellness, but also can benefit many of the other dimensions of wellness. While our lifestyles have changed journaling may be helpful as a new habit in your life. In this issue we discuss the many ways to use journaling in your life. There are also other activities conducive to the new rules around social distancing as well as virtual resources and ‘Life Skills for Tough Times’. Click here for more.

Wellness in Times of Crisis: During these difficult times, we can still focus on our wellness. Many of us are staying at home, following the guidelines to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Some people may continue to go to work but find they feel anxious about the risk. Some of us are feeling social isolation, disruptions in our usual habits and routines and interruptions to our wellness. Continue reading to help re-focus on your wellness during this crisis.

As the saying goes, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, referring to the harsh weather at the beginning of the month and the
(usually) more gentle weather at the end. Don’t forget to change your clocks! It’s “spring Worahead,” so you lose an hour.

February is National Heart Month. Some experts suggest that there is a loneliness epidemic in the US. Loneliness is complex and can be felt even when surrounded by other people. Many people with mental health challenges encounter loneliness. Traditional behavioral health services are not equipped to deal with loneliness, but there are resources available, like Compeer. To learn more…

We are pleased to bring you another year of Words of Wellness. For many, New Year’s Day is the launch of new goals and new plans. Some research suggests that beginning work on a new goal is most effective on “fresh start days” like the first of the year, or a Monday, or some other personally significant day, like a birthday. Other research suggests that linking your short-term goals and plans to a larger purpose or vision can increase commitment and success.

Back by popular demand! How do you stay well in the winter? How are you affected by the shorter days and the changes in the weather?

Check out our Winter Wellness booklet for more tips and to develop a personalized plan to keep yourself well until the spring flowers return.

Winter is here!
Regardless of the weather where you are, you may find that winter creates some challenges for staying well. For that reason, we offer our annual booklet on Winter Wellness.