Salem Public Schools Nursing News

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, the Salem Public School nurses would like to express our sincerest gratitude to our students, families and colleagues. Without the school community, there would be no need for our work. Our work not only provides for our own families but teaches us many things about ourselves. Caring for our students gives us purpose and motivates us to look for effective ways to support the community.

There is much talk today about practicing gratitude. While it sounds cliche, it is scientifically proven to improve mental health. The practice of gratitude should not be limited to positive events but be reflected upon when experiencing the lows in life. Gratitude is appreciating what is present in our lives. It's being thankful when things are going well, but also finding the silver lining when things are not. A study posted in the Psychiatry MMC journal in November of 2010 supports that there is a relationship between gratitude practices and an a general sense of well being. It helps increase positive emotions while interrupting cycles of negativity, anxiety and depressed mood. Gratitude is also beneficial to the physical body. A routine practice of gratitude is connected to better sleep, lower blood pressure, stronger immune systems and a reduction of chronic pain.

Here are a few ideas of how to incorporate a gratitude practice in your daily life:

• Keep a gratitude journal: Set time aside each day to list 3 things that you are thankful for. Need help getting started? This LINK will connect you to a downloadable journal to kickstart your practice.
• Write a note to a loved one or colleague: A note of thanks will not only brighten someone's day, but reinforce a positive relationship. HERE are some suggestions on how to start this practice.
• Create a gratitude jar: Take a moment to jot down something that you appreciate in life on a piece of paper and place it in a jar. When things aren't going well, it will serve as a reminder for all the positives in your life.
• Volunteer: Helping others in need is proven to create a sense of fulfillment in life. Donations of time and service help us feel connected to our community. Volunteerism is not limited to charities, it can be performed by doing simple acts of kindness to anyone that crosses your path.
• Reflect on life's challenges: Believe it or not, setbacks help us grow. By flipping the script of a negative event, we become more resilient and learn to appreciate the ups and downs of life's journey.

The SPS Nursing Staff wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

The holiday season is upon us! While the holidays are supposed to be a time of happiness with family and friends, societal pressure often makes many feel tense and stressed. Often times, the holidays highlight everything that is going wrong in life. It's common to feel a sense of sadness because we are missing a family member who is no longer with us. For others, the holidays may highlight familial strife or increase anxieties about financial insecurities. For whatever the reason, the push to be "Merry and Bright" often leaves us feeling anything but.....

A clinical psychologist from Johns Hopkins University shared some ideas about how to maintain composure when you're not feeling the peace and joy of the season:

• Accept imperfection: Many struggle with planning an event and fear that their preparations may not live up to expectations of guests. Acknowledge that it is healthy and normal for things not to go as planned. Events are about who is gathered, not about bells and whistles of the display. Guests will remember how they felt during the event, not if something was out of place. Embrace imperfection.
• Don't loose sight of what matters: Its impossible to not feel overwhelmed at times with traffic, commitments and planning. While stuck, keep perspective, reflect on positives and attempt to connect with others. An open mind is more effective at finding solutions to issues that arise.
• Respond with kindness: While there is no way to control another person's behavior, maintaining empathy in a conflict will help diffuse the situation. Everyone is fighting a personal battle that is unknown to others. Step back, take a few deep breaths and be mindful that it may not be personal. Remember, another person's behavior has everything to do with their struggle and nothing to do with you. It may be better for your mental health to walk away rather than escalate a tense situation.

Please click HERE for more information on hope to cope with holiday stress.

Leftover Stuffing Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 cup stuffing
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 lb. ground beef (may also use ground turkey)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Please click HERE for instructions and serving suggestions.

Looking to start a new Thanksgiving tradition with the family? Here are some ideas to get you moving before the big meal....

• Wild Turkey Run: The annual Wild Turkey Run starts at 8am on Thanksgiving morning at the Peabody Essex Museum. The proceeds from the event benefit The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem. The first 1600 participants to register receive a free long sleeve t-shirt. For more information, please click HERE.
• Take a "Mindful Hike": There are a few spots in the Salem area that would make for a morning hike - The Salem Woods Loop, The Marblehead Rail Trail, The Salem Willows Park Loop, Fort Lee and The Forest River Park Trail are just a few. Click this LINK for trail maps. For information about what a "Mindful Hike" entails, please click HERE.
• Horace Man Laboratory School Turkey Trot: This race is held on Saturday morning, November 23rd at 10 am. More information will be forthcoming from Horace Mann Laboratory School.