“The mind-body connection is the link between a person's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors and their physical health." --Lakshmi Menezes, MD
"Scientific studies are constantly revealing that the hormones and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) associated with emotion can also have physical effects. They can affect our blood pressure, heart rate, sleep patterns, and even our appetite.
...When we’re stressed, our body releases two hormones: adrenaline and cortisol. Known as the stress hormones, they’re supposed to give us a short-term energy boost (better known as an adrenaline rush) so we can get out of dangerous situations quickly.
However, you can still feel stressed even if there’s no “danger” to escape. Releasing these hormones too frequently can have negative long-term effects on the body, including:
Weakened immune response
Digestive problems
Healing more slowly"(1)
Suggested therapies to combat these long-term stress responses include art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, music therapy, and yoga.
However, it is also incredibly necessary to try and end what is causing the stress response. CAN staff, interns, and volunteers don't have any control over what may be occurring in their students' lives outside of our community centers (although we do try through our stabilization, resource referral, and advocacy programs & services), but we do have control over what our students experience when they are in our care.
What are some ways we can actively work to try to end any long-term stress response our brains or our students' brains may be experiencing?
What are you doing when you engage with your students to ensure they feel safe, secure, and cared for?
The benefits of creating safe spaces not only include improving mental and emotional health, but also will improve the long-term, exponential physical effects of toxic stress.
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Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences & Toxic Stress from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris:
Highlights
The first week of Summer Camp 2021 is in the books! Check out some photo highlights from across all CAN sites-
Announcements
CAN is closed July 2
July Babies -- it's almost you're birthday! If you cross paths with this person next month, be sure to wish them a big happy birthday:
Sherrie Greenleaf (CAN Bookkeeper) - July 7
Yakirah Mitchel (Brick Summer Program Facilitator) - July 16
Brenna Wayne (Year-Long AmeriCorps VISTA) - July 20
Carissa Smith (Salesforce Admin Intern) - July 21
Paige Ampey (Director of Volunteers) - July 25
Tips & Tidbits
This Week's Strive to Thrive Theme
Physical Wellness
Mindfulness Focus: Basic Breathing, Body Scan, Shake It Out
Thematic Projects: Basic Body Needs, Good Night!, Let's Eat Healthy!, Get Moving!, What is Body Positivity?, Positively Me
A Look-back at Orientation Topics
Educational Summer Camp Overview 2021
Why Wellness?
How to Read & Interpret Lessons
Tips for Lesson Delivery & Classroom Management
Student-Centered Learning
Understanding Student Behaviors
Access Your Online Training Materials
Access The Orientation Materials
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Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments (or highlights, announcements, etc.), please email Katie at klampen@canwashtenaw.org.
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