Mental Health Moment: POSITIVE FRIENDS
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
Quality friends make you physically healthier! Social connection is linked to lower blood pressure, lower BMI, less inflammation, and a reduced risk of diabetes across all age groups. Research shows quality friends are just as important as diet and exercise!

Your Challenge
Learn the names of everyone in at least 2 of your classes. Bonus points if you learn fun facts about them too.

Mental Health Moment
Practice self-care every day and make yourself a priority: eat a healthy diet, exercise, get enough sleep, and do something that makes you happy.

Mental Health Moment: MEDICAL ACCESS
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
Health care relates to services such as the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases. In order for health care to be deemed "accessible" it must be both affordable and convenient. https://tinyurl.com/accessiblehealthcare

Your Challenge
Create a miniature First-Aid kit to keep in your backpack. Remember to include BandAids! https://tinyurl.com/boostmhtips

Mental Health Moment
Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety. 

Mental Health Moment: SPIRITUALITY
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
Studies show that people who are spiritual generally have a more positive outlook and live happier, more productive lives. tinyurl.com/sagelife-spirituality

Your Challenge
Spend some time in nature this week. Go on a walk, listen to the birds sing, and enjoy the beauty of the world.

Mental Health Moment
Borrow a fidget from the Counsling Center on days you need a little extra help to get through. You can also make your own fidgets (like stress balls) or buy a variety pack from Amazon.

Mental Health Moment: MENTAL HEALTH
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?

Approximately 1 in 7 of the world's adolescents have a mental disorder. If you are struggling, you are NOT alone. 
(https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/mental-health)

Your Challenge

Talk to someone (friend, family, trusted adult) about your mental health as of late. Have you been feeling stressed, anxious, depressed? It might help to talk about it.

Mental Health Moment
Try starting your morning with a positive affirmation. Look at yourself in the mirror and come up with at least one thing you are proud of yourself for or that you like about yourself. Say it out loud three times to your reflection.

Mental Health Moment: POSITIVE FRIENDS
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
Friendships Make You Happier! A Harvard study shows that "relationships are the number one key indicator of joy and happiness." Furthermore, loneliness has been closely linked to early death as smoking or alcoholism. (tinyurl.com/Friends-Important)

Your Challenge
Plan a hangout with your friends this week. It could be as simple as lunch together or something more complex like a movie night over the weekend.

Mental Health Moment
Find a mindfulness or meditation podcast and spend some time listening to it while focusing on deep breathing. QR Code to a Spotify playlist (above) or go to https://tinyurl/com/5fy5xs4h.

Mental Health Moment: FAMILY SUPPORT
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
Family support can help individuals develop self-esteem, confidence and hope which are essential elements of positive mental health. In addition, family support can help reduce feelings of isolation and helplessness, which are common experiences for individuals with mental health issues. (https://aneweratms.com/the-role-of-family-support-in-mental-health-recovery/#:~:text=Family%20can%20provide%20a,elements%20of%20mental%20helath%20recovery)

Your Challenge
Let someone in your family (chosen family or relative) know that you are grateful for them. Tell them something specific they have done for you that you appreciate.

Mental Health Moment
If you're feeling particularly down, try saying "bubbles" in the angriest voice you can. It never fails to make me giggle.

Mental Health Moment: GENEROSITY
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
A 1983 study showed that giving to others results in less stress and pressure on the heart which can reduce the risk of heart attacks. (https://wheelsforwishes.org/news/5-facts-you-didn-t-know-about-giving/)

Your Challenge
Donate to a local charity! Ideas: Goodwill/thrift stores, food banks, Little Free Pantry, etc.

Mental Health Moment
Square Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, repeat with counts of 3, then 2, then 1.

Mental Health Moment: MENTORS
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Did you know?
87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered by their mentoring relationships and have developed greater confidence (https://mentorloop.com/blog/mentoring-statistics/)

Your Challenge
Find something you have in common with at least 2 different adults in your buiilding

Mental Health Moment
Practice calming strategies such as coloring, reading, going outside, breathing techniques, being with friends, etc.

Mental Health Moment: AN INTRODUCTION
Malaika Hale, LPS Youth Advocate, AHS Class of 2022

Introduction
Hi! My name is Malaika and I graduated from Arapahoe in 2022. Now I work for LPS as a Youth Mental Health Advocate. I have created Mental Health Moments that will be posted on your school's Instagram. These MHMs will include a fun fact, a challenge, and a mental health exercise for you to try. My hope is that these Mental Health Moments will help you stay healthy and supported all year long. <3

Your Challenge
Each day for a week, come up with one thing you are excited for this semester. You should have 7 things by the end of the week.

Mental Health Moment
Take a moment to ground yourself. Sit down in a chair and set your feet on the floor. Spread your toes and push through your heels and balls of your feet. Feel the solid ground beneath you sending strength through your feet, ankles, knees, and upwards through your whole body.