Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high. Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.

1. Exercise. Exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body's stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
2. Take time for yourself. Make taking care of yourself a daily routine. Start with small changes in your routine to help build resilience to stressful circumstances. Take time to notice the “good minutes” in each day or to do something that you enjoy, such as reading a book or listening to music, which can be a way to shift your attention and focus on the positive rather than the negative.
3. Stay connected and make new friends. Stay in touch with family, friends and groups in your life. Having or being a person to talk with can be reassuring and calming.
4. Practice relaxation techniques. Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath.
5. Try new routines. From scheduling bath and bedtimes to blocking off time to plan and prioritize tasks, additional structure can provide a daily framework that allows you to attune to your body’s signals. Then, you can take steps to potentially manage stress earlier than you once did.
6. Seek help with problems. Many people experience the same day-to-day strains related to caregiving, relationships, health, work and money. Look to friends and family, as appropriate, or other trusted individuals or resources for tips and information.
7. Talk to a health professional if stress is affecting your well-being.
   

April is Autism Acceptance Month. The recognition raises awareness about autism acceptance and promotes inclusion and connectedness for people with autism. Social and community support can help people with autism achieve optimal health and reach their full potential.

You can use the Kit for Kids materials attached to help start class discussions with your children and help them build friendships among classmates through a greater understanding of autism.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help parents, other caregivers, and communities protect children and strengthen families.

International Children's Book Day is April 2nd 2024. The main aim of Children’s Book Day is to get your children to love reading! There are plenty of ways that you can go about this. You can both take a trip to your local library together. You could order a book online in advance of this date. You certainly won’t be short of options when it comes to finding the perfect book for your child.

Mark your calendars!

Nikki-Johnson-Alfano will be a guest speaker at an upcoming virtual assembly for all high school students who wish to attend.

Date: April 3, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Online: Link Found on Your Schedule

The assembly is optional. Assembly details will be sent via email.

“Nikki Johnson-Alfano, Esq. (Formerly Nikki Johnson-Huston) is an unlikely success story. Born into poverty, she was homeless at age 9, failed out of college by age 18, and by age 30, Nikki was a law school graduate with a J.D., MBA and LL.M in Taxation all earned at the same time in only 4 years.

Nikki is also a successful award-winning attorney and frequent speaker about how she overcame a life of poverty and homelessness to achieve her dreams. She will share her very personal story of how she got her life back on track, fought through adversity and never gave up on her dreams no matter the odds.”

CLICK ON HER PICTURE TO HEAR HER STORY

Learn more about Nikki Johnson- Alfano:

•Nikki Johnson-Alfano (@njohnsonalfano) | Instagram

•https://homelesstolawyer.com/

Disclaimer: The purpose of the Agora Cyber Charter School Virtual Calming Room is purely for educational purposes only. Individuals who access the Virtual Calming Room understand this website will not substitute for mental health interventions or mental health treatment. If you are in a crisis, you should contact emergency services and seek consultation of a licensed mental health professional.