The Weekly Update

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.,[1] and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which protested legalized racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society. The movement led to several groundbreaking legislative reforms in the United States.

Born in 1929, Martin Luther King Jr.'s actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21. The Monday observance is similar for those federal holidays which fall under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. Official observance in each state's law as well as federal law occurred in 2000.

~https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day

If you have felt a little more sluggish, unmotivated, or just "blah" this week, you aren't imagining things. We are in the thick of winter, and for many of us, the lack of sunlight messes with our internal clocks.

This week, we are looking at the Winter Blues—why they happen and how to trick your brain into waking up.

• 
  

  • Your brain relies on sunlight to produce Serotonin (the "happy hormone"). When days are short and dark, your Serotonin levels drop, and your levels of Melatonin (the "sleepy hormone") go up.

  • The Data: Research shows that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of people during the winter months.

  • The Takeaway: If you are struggling to get out of bed, it’s not a character flaw—it’s biology. Your brain thinks it’s time to hibernate. We have to remind it that it’s time to learn.

• We need to boost those serotonin levels manually.

  The Challenge: Try to get 10-15 minutes of natural light before noon this week.

  • Walk to the bus stop without looking at your phone.

  • Sit by a window during lunch or study hall.

  • Even on a cloudy day, natural light is stronger than classroom fluorescent lights!

  Bonus Move: Can’t get outside? Brief aerobic exercise (even just jumping jacks in your room) can mimic the effects of antidepressants by releasing endorphins.

• School Counselor: Grant Sparks (766-3410)/Christine Harrell (766-3407) - Pop in to say hi!
• Mental Health Support: Shannon Krenek, LCSW (766-3379) - Leave a note if Ms. Shannon is not in. She would love to meet you.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.

Monday:

• Seusical Rehearsal/set/costume

Tuesday:

• Seusical Rehearsal/set/costume
• Basketball @ Hendersonville
• Wrestling HOME - Madison

Wednesday:

• Seusical Rehearsal/set/costume
• Basketball HOME Swain

Thursday:

• Seusical Rehearsal/set/costume

Friday:

• Seusical Rehearsal/set/costume
• Basketball HOME Polk

clip art from: https://www.northbergen.org/News/View/8691/registration-open-now-for-recreation-dept-wrestling-and-basketball-programs-for-kids