A Message From Our CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler
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More than ever before, our daily lives are filled with urgent demands that draw our attention and that consume our energy. These demands, whether big or small, can make us feel depleted or stretched thin over time, especially as the list grows longer and the days grow shorter. These demands are somewhat different for everyone, but we all feel them. For me those big and small things include leading an organization during times of uncertainty, connecting authentically with friends and family, nurturing two young children, making time for self-care, and finding my place in the fight for racial and social justice.
It can be tough to juggle so many priorities, especially when you are feeling the weight of your responsibilities and wanting to make sure you show up with intention, speak your truth, and set a positive example. We have been through a lot together, as an organization, as a community, as a country and as a world. We have struggled together, worried together, and changed together during this pandemic like in no other time we have experienced.
And now, as the season changes yet again and the holidays approach, it is time to slow down, recoup, reflect, take care and connect.
Every day, we have the opportunity to make choices about how we spend the precious time and energy that we have, how we prioritize and meet the many demands of our day. Through our forced distance, we have recognized just how strong our need to come together is and how difficult it is to meet the demands of this life without support from others. Our desire for human connection, and our need for hope, crosses all dividing lines.
Have patience with yourself right now, and with others. Slow down, be still, and identify what you need to do to carry yourself through this next chapter. Make choices to look for the good, the positives in life, within your family and within the world, and notice these moments and these fortunes with gratitude.
If we pause long enough to pay attention, within these moments of gratitude we can also find hope. Hope for a future where our children embrace differences and stand up for the rights of others, a future where more people take the extra step to connect and show kindness towards others, and future where mental health matters and no one is left behind. My hope is that the vision of this future rejuvenates us and compels us to move through this next season with confidence.
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Taking On the Changing Seasons with Grace |
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As we move into November, the days become shorter and the weather becomes colder, making it harder to get outside and soak up the sun. Sunlight exposure is an essential part of your mental health toolkit because it can help your body produce serotonin, an important chemical which helps you feel calm and relaxed. Even as we shift into daylight savings time, there are plenty of steps you can take to beat the winter blues and boost your happiness this season.
- Keep your body moving with some light exercise each day, such as walking or biking.
- Get outside when you can and spend at least 10-15 minutes each day in the sunshine.
- Make sure you eat a balanced, healthy diet to support your brain.
- Focus on sleep and make sure you’re getting 7-9 hours of rest each night.
- Practice mindfulness and gratitude by identifying the things you love about this season.
- Talk with your doctor or therapist if you need extra support.
At Jefferson Center, our clinicians can help you take on any of life’s challenges. To schedule an appointment, call us at 303-425-0300 or visit our website here.
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Schedule Your Gift for Colorado Gives Day Today! |
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“Don’t look back at the way life used to be…”
Rear View Mirror, Chaz DePaolo
We had the pleasure of hearing the success story of Chaz DePaolo, award-winning blues musician and Jefferson Center client, at Soirée at Home, our virtual gala this past September. He shared with us how he is using the skills he has learned through his treatment to now help others who are struggling with the challenges of COVID-19.
We are all experiencing the impact of this pandemic, and that connects us in a powerful way. Generosity also unites us with the power to make a positive change in the lives of others. This December, we ask that you give to Jefferson Center and use your individual power of generosity to remain connected and heal together.
Colorado Gives Day is on December 8th but you can schedule your gift now! What’s more, our board of directors will match 10% of the first $5,000 in pre-scheduled gifts.
Rather than look back at life pre-pandemic, let’s focus on our path forward—a path of resilience and recovery. Together, we will get through this.
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Navigating an Unfamiliar Holiday Season
Traditionally, the holidays are a time for family and gatherings, but with COVID-19 cases on the rise, some people might be rethinking their get-togethers. Whether you’re making tough calls about travel or reducing the size of your celebrations, the Colorado Spirit team is here to help you get through whatever new challenges this holiday season brings.
Be sure to check out our Mental Health Matters blog this month or call our Colorado Spirit team at 720-731-4689 for more tools and resources to help you navigate Thanksgiving and beyond.
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Having Difficulty Communicating With Your Family?
4 Tips for Effective Family Conflict Resolution
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Election season and the holidays can be a stressful time, especially if you don’t always see eye-to-eye with your family members. Healthy conflict resolution skills can help you weather difficult conversations and come out the other end without unnecessary tension or anger.
Here are a few tips to help guide you through family conflicts.
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Keep Calm - anger is a normal emotional response to conflict, but it shouldn’t be your driving force. Stay calm in the face of differing opinions and remember that you can always take a break from a conversation and return to it later if you feel your emotions running awry.
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Be an Active Listener - if you spend most of a conversation figuring out what you’re going to say next, you might not be fully listening to what the other person is saying. In any conflict, listen without interrupting and be sure to ask for clarification when necessary to make sure you understand the message that’s being conveyed to you.
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Respect Differing Opinions - everyone is entitled to have their own set of opinions and beliefs, even if they do not always align with your own. It’s important to remember that not all conflicts or disagreements can be resolved, but you can always decide to treat your family member (or anyone else) with respect.
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Create Safe Boundaries - oftentimes conflicts can lead to meaningful conversations, but if your family member becomes aggressive, or you find yourself becoming too upset, it’s time to set up a boundary and leave the conversation.
To learn more about how you can de escalate tense topics and have respectful conversations in your household, check out our blog here.
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Check Out Our Upcoming Webinars and Classes |
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Burnout has become a commonplace word over the last few months, as we all deal with ongoing stress and exhaustion while navigating difficult circumstances. Join us for our webinar to learn how to overcome it and regain balance in your life!
Thurs., November 19, 11:00 a.m.
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Virtual Mental Health First Aid
Learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Tuesday, December 15, 9:00 a.m.
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Good News This Month
Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media! |
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