Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey

The pandemic has drawn our attention to social wellness for young and old. Disconnection and loneliness became so rampant for so many. We have been inspired by how creative people have become in reaching out to others. One thing we have learned is how important social connections can be for our health. This is true for heart health too.

As we enter a new, and hopefully better, year, turning to the calendar for 2021 offers a fresh start. We invite you to join us in choosing a wellness area that you would like to strengthen in the year ahead.

Many people find winter to be a challenging time: the days get shorter, less sunlight, the weather gets colder and the holidays can create stress. We are coming to the end of the year but it looks likely that the additional difficulties of the 2020 pandemic will be with us for some time to come.

Financial wellness has far-reaching effects on emotional, social, physical, environmental wellness, and more, so supports should address and enhance multiple indicators of financial wellness.

The Wellness Model we developed many years ago is built on the ABC Model: Attitude, Balance and Control. Positive feelings are connected with many health and wellness benefits.

Tidy is as tidy does. Decluttering and organizing have practical as well as emotional results. In fact, as series of studies suggest a link between disorder and self-control.

Laughter and smiling are good for wellness. Even a quick smile offers a mood boost and helps our bodies release chemicals that offer health and wellness benefits.

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.