INSTITUTIONAL GUIDANCE & TESTING

WELLNESS CORNER

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice. On one tombstone there is this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved i t both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, health, quality, excellence.. ... whatever! NEVER let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And one devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen: Grieve, endure, then move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive. Watch the sunrise and sunset; go to the beach and the mountains; lie on your back and look at the moon and stars; cuddle a baby your arms, play with children... .......and the child in you, let the child come-out, wonder at nature, enjoy God's incredible creation and wallow unashamedly in its mystery.

7. Surround yourself with what you love.... whether it's family, music, colors, keepsakes... . plants, hobbies, children, grandchildren. .... whatever. Your home is your refuge. Share it when you can.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help, and, don't wait.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, across the country, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. ...your brother, your sister, your grandparents, your mom, your dad, your wife, your husband, your friends.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second  time to forgive.

          Remember:
          What we are is God's gift to us.
          What we become is our gift to God.

"..Being  happy doesn’t mean everything is okay, it only means you've decided to see beyond imperfections whatever happens.."

Why Is Self-Esteem Important?

      

          How we feel about ourselves can influence how we live our lives. People who feel that they are likable and lovable (in other words people with good self-esteem) have better relationships. They are more likely to ask for help and support from friends and family when they need it. People who believe they can accomplish goals and solve problems are more likely to do well in school. Having good self-esteem allows you to accept yourself and live life to the fullest.

If you want to improve your self-esteem, here are some steps to start empowering yourself:

• Try to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself. If you're used to focusing on your shortcomings, start thinking about positive aspects of yourself that outweigh them. When you catch yourself being too critical, counter it by saying something positive about yourself. Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy.

• Aim for accomplishments rather than perfection. Some people become paralyzed by perfection. Instead of holding yourself back with thoughts like, "I won't audition for the play until I lose 10 pounds," think about what you're good at and what you enjoy, and go for it.

• View mistakes as learning opportunities. Accept that you will make mistakes because everyone does. Mistakes are part of learning. Remind yourself that a person's talents are constantly developing, and everyone excels at different things — it's what makes people interesting.

• Try new things. Experiments with different activities that will help you get in touch with your talents. Then take pride in new skills you develop.

• Recognize what you can change and what you can't. If you realize that you're unhappy with something about yourself that you can change, then start today. If it's something you can't change (like your height), then start to work toward loving yourself the way you are.

• Set goals. Think about what you'd like to accomplish, then make a plan for how to do it. Stick with your plan and keep track of your progress.

• Take pride in your opinions and ideas. Don't be afraid to voice them.

• Make a contribution. Tutor a classmate who's having trouble, help clean up your neighborhood, participate in a walk-a-thon for a good cause, or volunteer your time in some other way. Feeling like you're making a difference and that your help is valued can do wonders to improve self-esteem.

• Exercise! You'll relieve stress, and be healthier and happier.

• Have fun. Ever found yourself thinking stuff like "I'd have more friends if I were thinner"? Enjoy spending time with the people you care about and doing the things you love. Relax and have a good time — and avoid putting your life on hold.

          It's never too late to build healthy, positive self-esteem. In some cases where the emotional hurt is deep or long lasting, it can take the help of a mental health professional, like a counselor or therapist. These experts can act as a guide, helping people learn to love themselves and realize what's unique and special about them.

          Self-esteem plays a role in almost everything you do. People with high self-esteem do better in school and find it easier to make friends. They tend to have better relationships with peers and adults, feel happier, find it easier to deal with mistakes, disappointments, and failures, and are more likely to stick with something until they succeed. It takes some work, but it's a skill you'll have for life.


  Barbara P. Homeier, MD