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Hi Friend, This holiday weekend is setting up to be the most “normal” in a long time. I know I’m looking forward to family and friends in person and sitting back with a nice grilled burger! Not everyone is processing the changes of this easing pandemic the same. People are still grappling with lingering mental distress. According to the CDC [1], the number of people with symptoms of anxiety and depression quadrupled in the past year. No one should feel alone during difficult times. Volunteers of America offers Resilience Strength Time or VOA|ReST, an online peer-facilitated, small-group process for coping with mental distress. Sessions are free, online, and confidential. Anyone is welcome to participate. Consider these tips to foster real "R&R" for your upcoming weekend, pulled from our VOA|ReST program. You can get the full details here. 1. Breathwork. When consciously controlled, breathing can lower stress, calm intense feelings, and quiet distracting thoughts. 2. Ritual Spaces. Rituals such as writing, storytelling, making art or music, and meditation allow reflection and sharing about what we have experienced. Even memories that are painful, are sources of wisdom. 3. Group practices. Open interaction of sharing thoughts without judgment, and with empathetic listening, can be transformative when processing stressful topics or experiences. This Memorial Day, we honor military heroes who cared so deeply for their fellow Americans. In their example, we must care for our fellow Americans, particularly our neighbors in need. Best to you,
If you are interested in trialing this free and confidential, transformational hour with peers, Register Here. [1] "Behavioral Health: Patient Access, Provider Claims Payment, and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic," U.S. Government Accountability Office. Mar 31, 2021. www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-437r
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