The weather is starting to become nice in many parts of the country. It might seem like a good time for spring cleaning. You may have cobwebs and dust bunnies hiding in places you don’t even know about, and they may be affecting your mental health. Here are some tips to maintain positive mental wellbeing:

1. Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. Include three things you’re grateful for and three things you were able to accomplish in a day.
2. Experiment with a new recipe. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked to each other.
3. Work some omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These fatty acids are linked giving your mood a boost. Fish oil supplements work but eating your omega-3s in foods like salmon, flax seeds or walnuts also helps build healthy gut bacteria.
4. Take 30 minutes to go for a walk-in nature. It could be a stroll through a park or a hike in the woods. Research shows that being in nature can increase energy levels.

Let's Get Movin'!

“Meditation Way” 



Physical fitness is important for our health but so is taking time for yourself to breathe and release any pent-up stress that’s weighing you down.  For 3-5 minutes of your day, store away all distractions (including your work) and take a moment to breathe.  Make sure to close your eyes and take at least 3 deep breaths during this time (in through your nose, out through your mouth).

Harvest of the Month

Produce Tips

• Choose fresh blueberries that are plump and have a solid, dark blue color. Refrigerate for up to two weeks. 
• Wash berries just before serving. 
• Shop for fresh berries in season to get the best value. Or buy frozen berries year-round at the grocery store.
• More Blueberries Each Day 
• Blend frozen berries with sliced bananas, lowfat milk, and 100% orange juice for a refreshing smoothie. 
• Make healthy banana splits for dessert! Top a peeled banana with lowfat vanilla yogurt. Sprinkle with lowfat granola and berries. 
• Add blueberries to oatmeal, lowfat yogurt, or cereal.

https://ncstepstohealth.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/NC-HOTM-Blueberry-English.pdf?fwd=no

Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 slices of Whole Wheat bread
• ½ cups of blueberries
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• Your choice of cheese (Havarti, Swiss, Brie, White Cheddar, etc)
• Fresh spinach or arugula
• 1 ½ tablespoon of brown sugar

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar and vinegar. Turn on medium heat and let come to a slow boil. Use a utensil to crush berries as you stir. After boiling for about 5 minutes, pour mixture into a mesh strainer and let the juice syrup separate from the solid berries. Save the syrup for pancakes!
2. Spread blueberries onto a piece of bread, top with cheese, some spinach, then more cheese! Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper. Top with your other slice of bread and toast. Enjoy!

Kids Corner

SNAP provides monetary assistance to supplement the food budget for households that meet the financial and resource requirements.

Foods available under SNAP:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat

For questions or assistance, call (336) 422-7758 or email fnsoutreach@secondharvestnwnc.org