Wellness Center

Did you know there is a difference between regular listening and active listening? Active listening differs from passive listening in the fact that you are intentionally going out of your way to show the speaker that they are being heard. Mastering the art of active listening can greatly improve all of your relationships, especially your relationship with your student. Instead of listening to your child intending to respond, try to listen to your child intending to understand what, exactly, they are trying to convey. Here are a few tips that might help you improve your active listening skills:

• Face the speaker and make eye contact while they are speaking.
• Pay attention to body language as well as verbal language.
• Listen without interrupting, judging or jumping to conclusions.
• Ask questions if you need clarification.
• Reflect back what is being said so the speaker knows you are understanding.
• Stay focused and don’t multitask.
• Don’t insert your opinions or solutions unless asked.

Most people, including your child, just want to be heard and supported. Taking the time to practice active listening and employ your skills with your student not only models good listening behaviors but supports the idea that you are a safe and trustworthy person for them to confide in.

Did you know there is a difference between regular listening and active listening? Active listening differs from passive listening in the fact that you are intentionally going out of your way to show the speaker that they are being heard. Mastering the art of active listening can greatly improve all of your relationships, especially your relationship with your student. Instead of listening to your child intending to respond, try to listen to your child intending to understand what, exactly, they are trying to convey. Here are a few tips that might help you improve your active listening skills:

• Face the speaker and make eye contact while they are speaking.
• Pay attention to body language as well as verbal language.
• Listen without interrupting, judging or jumping to conclusions.
• Ask questions if you need clarification.
• Reflect back what is being said so the speaker knows you are understanding.
• Stay focused and don’t multitask.
• Don’t insert your opinions or solutions unless asked.

Most people, including your child, just want to be heard and supported. Taking the time to practice active listening and employ your skills with your student not only models good listening behaviors but supports the idea that you are a safe and trustworthy person for them to confide in.

Mindfulness and meditation are both invaluable skills to develop during a mental health journey. Mindfulness based interventions have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s also evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure and improve sleep. It may even help people cope with physical pain.

The Wellness Center is now hosting Tranquil Tuesdays every week during lunch to practice meditation and mindfulness as well as encourage students to prioritize their self-care. Encourage your AHS student to drop by the Wellness Center to learn more about mindfulness and reap the benefits that mindfulness can offer.
 
Source: NIH.gov

Are you or someone you know interested in quitting tobacco use? Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. Clinically proven, culturally sensitive, and trusted, Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, opened in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline. They now offer individual telephone counseling, a texting program, online chat, a smart phone app, Alexa Skill for quit smoking tips, and self-help materials. Take the first step toward quitting by visiting https://kickitca.org/. In Contra Costa County, you can also call 2-1-1 for a direct referral to Kick It California. 

Are you or someone you know interested in quitting tobacco use? Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. Clinically proven, culturally sensitive, and trusted, Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, opened in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline. They now offer individual telephone counseling, a texting program, online chat, a smart phone app, Alexa Skill for quit smoking tips, and self-help materials. Take the first step toward quitting by visiting https://kickitca.org/. In Contra Costa County, you can also call 2-1-1 for a direct referral to Kick It California. 

When making a new year’s resolution, the key to success is setting realistic goals. How many times have you or people around you made a resolution so extreme that it is out of the window by Jan 7? It happens often because people either make goals that are too broad or make goals that require a complete lifestyle overhaul. First, set an extremely specific goal. Note that there is a major difference between “exercise more” and “exercise 20 minutes each day.” By creating specific goals you are able to measure progress. Next, take baby steps. If you are someone that has not previously prioritized a major facet of your resolution, start by gradually increasing your goal. For example, if you currently spend 3 hours on your phone each day, creating a resolution to completely stop spending idle time on your phone is unrealistic. Maybe you can cut down your time spent by 30 minutes each week to reach your overall goal. Small changes to habits you wish to kick are changes nonetheless.
 
Finally, a great way to preserve mental health in terms of new year’s resolutions is to accept that changes take time and persistence. If you happen to fall off of your resolution there is no shame in picking back up. If your goal is valuable to you, getting back on track should be a sign of persistence as opposed to a sign of failure. Accepting setbacks is key in making positive changes since for any given goal someone had to start, and even restart, somewhere. Be gracious because nobody is perfect!
 
Happy New Year!

The Acalanes Wellness Center wishes you a happy holiday season! We will be open for students needing support during finals with a modified schedule:
 
Monday: Regular Hours
Tuesday-Friday: 8am-1:30pm
 
While winter break is a great time for self-care and connection, this time of year can also be difficult for many. Thankfully, the CCCOE Wellness In Schools Program(WISP) has done the heavy lifting on compiling a list of easy to access local and national resources should you find your AHS student in need while away from school.
 
As always, dialing 211 will connect you with a database of community resources including Contra Costa Crisis Center and dialing 988 will connect you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The Wellness Center will be hosting two workshops this week to support students in this final stretch before winter break. These Wellness in the Winter sessions are a space to gather together and practice coping skills to thrive during finals and a long break with family. Students can sign up for these during academy on Wednesday, Dec 11 and Friday, Dec 13.

Gratitude: A Path to Positivity

Gratitude is the act of appreciating the good in our lives. It helps shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and joy. Expressing gratitude can improve mental well-being, strengthen relationships, and even boost physical health. It encourages us to pause and recognize the small blessings we often overlook, like a kind word, a sunny day, or simply having a loved one by our side.
 
Gratitude Activity: The “Thank You” Letter

• Objective: To cultivate a habit of gratitude by expressing appreciation to someone who has positively impacted your life.
• Reflect: Think about someone who has done something meaningful for you—perhaps a teacher, friend, family member, or mentor.
• Write: Take a piece of paper and pen. Start the letter with “Dear [name]” and describe why you’re grateful to them. Be specific—mention a memory, action, or quality of theirs that made a difference in your life. 
• Deliver: If possible, give or mail the letter to the recipient. If not, keep it as a reminder of your appreciation.
• Reflect Again: Notice how you feel after expressing your gratitude. Often, the act of giving thanks brings its own joy.

This activity not only brightens the recipient’s day but also helps you build a stronger connection and deepen your appreciation for the people around you.

Join Contra Costa young people and adults to learn about the latest tobacco and cannabis products, including tobacco pouches (Zyn), the impact of tobacco and cannabis on young people, and ways adults can support young people in their lives. The event will be in English with simultaneous Spanish translation. No pre-registration is necessary.
 
Who/Intended Audience: Parents/guardians, educators, community partners, and other caring adults.
When: Thursday, Nov 14, 6-7pm (optional Q&A, 7-7:30pm)
Link to join webinar: https://bit.ly/VapingandTeensWebinar2024