Wildcat Alumni Spotlight:
JVL Culinary Team
Wildcat's incredible Chef, Chef Peacock said these particular JVL students are doing incredible in culinary this term. We would love to highlight them!
When asked about culinary, current student Joel Tejada Flores says:
"Whether you enjoy cooking or not, culinary is more about the whole experience. It teaches you more than just 'in the kitchen' skills, but actually real life skills. Chef Peacock makes us feel welcome and confident in what we do. I recommend this internship experience for any student looking to have fun and grow their culinary expertise."
From left to right: Kaditou Sanuwo, Desire Tillman, Chyanne Raymond, Joel Tejada Flores
If you know of or are, yourself a Wildcat Superstar Alum who would like to share an inspiring story with our community, we would love to hear from you! Email @ Nbogutsky_SCT@jvlwildcat.org
2024: New Year, New Habits♡
Just as important as maintaining physical health, we need to take care of our emotional needs as well.
Here Are 10 Ways to Improve your Mental Health in the New Year:
1. Try to improve your sleep habits: something like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (C.B.T.-I) has proven to work wonders on people with sleep problems.
2. Determine if your anxiety is problematic or protective: Some anxiety can actually help us stay focused, but take note of signs like increased heart rate, sweating, or trouble concentrating.
3. Stop worrying and stressing yourself out, especially over little things: Find healthy ways to distract yourself- play a game, listen to music, or take a walk.
4. Practice "5 Things Tidying": Tackle the five main categories of clutter — trash, dishes, laundry, things with a place and things without a place. Try to make this a habit; this will really help clear your mind!
5. Embrace gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the positive people (or higher powers if you believe) in your life that have helped you achieve goodness. Journal, write down affirmations, or meditating are great ways to do this.
6. Be optimistic and keep a positive mindset about aging: Try to shift your focus to the benefits of aging, instead of focusing on the negative effect. These include better emotional well-being and higher emotional intelligence.
7. Participate in the arts: Writing poetry, painting, drawing, singing, etc. can improve your emotional health. These can all help decrease anxiety and elevate your mood.
8. Connect with the physical world everyday: Notice "awe moments" such as nature, the sky, the sunset, plants, flowers, and animals. This is so restorative.
9. Take a tech break: Shut off your phone and detach a little. Get yourself into a habit of doing this- even just 15 minutes at a time. Your mind will thank you!
10. Take a deep breath: practice new breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness.
* One breathing exercise that can be particularly helpful for mitigating fear and anxiety is 4-4-8 breathing, where you inhale for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts and exhale for 8counts.
Curious what's happening in NY schools? You can read more here.
Resource of the Month:
FindTreatment.gov
Addiction is a chronic disease that changes the brain and alters decision-making.
FindTreatment.gov is the confidential and anonymous resource for anyone seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.
- FindTreatment.gov is a product of SAMHSA’s Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ).
- Provides the ability to search for substance use and mental health facilities, health care centers, buprenorphine practitioners, and opioid treatment providers.
- Findtreatment.gov helps people find quality treatment, learn about the different types of treatment available, and explains what to expect when starting treatment.
- SAMHSA also has designated representatives in each State Mental Health Agency (SMHA) and Single State Agency for substance use (SSA) who are responsible for updating the status and location information for substance use and mental health facilities in their jurisdictions.
- You can sign up for SAMHSA Email Updates by entering your email on their website to stay updated.
- FindTreatment.gov is authorized by the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255, Section 9006; 42 U.S.C. 290bb-36d).