Welcome to Happier January!

As the new year unfolds, it's common to feel the pressure of resolutions and grand transformations. However, in the flurry of ambitious goals, it's crucial to remember that the journey towards self-improvement doesn't have to be a sprint. Instead of overwhelming yourself with lofty aspirations, consider the power of small, daily changes. Embrace the idea of cultivating happiness incrementally, one day at a time. By focusing on small, manageable steps, you allow yourself the space to savor the journey and appreciate the subtle joys of each moment. So, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and let the simple joys of daily life pave the way to a brighter, more fulfilling year.

Click here to download and print the calendar.

18 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself and Why It Matters

You can be kind to yourself by being mindful of negative self-talk, accepting that to err is human, and focusing on what lights you up.

If you’ve ever downplayed an achievement or berated yourself for not doing better, you know it can be hard to be good to yourself. For many people, self-compassion doesn’t come easy, but being nice to yourself can help ease stress, face difficulty more courageously, and feel more content and connected.

Read more here.

January is National Blood Donor Month

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Visit the American Red Cross Blood Services website to find blood drives near you to participate in an easy and gratifying way to contribute to your community.

3 Ways To Boost Your Financial Wellness In 2024

With financial wellness and mental health closely linked, it’s no surprise that most of us include items like “become debt-free” or “make more money” on our New Year’s resolutions list. Without the proper planning, knowledge, or tools, however, financial wellness won’t become a reality; it falls off the to-do list and reinforces the cycle of stress and anxiety many of us live in. Read more here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Duke Duncan

Some of you may remember Duke from when he was just a puppy, but this bundle of energy is a full-grown tough guy now! Duke keeps our Zaira Duncan grounded and energized, which is especially needed in her new role as the SLUSD Executive Assistant! Duke was adopted in our own SLUSD District Office several years ago when the San Leandro Police brought him over as a little one who had been left at the police station. Let's say that Duke quickly found out he BELONGS in SLUSD!

Do you know an exceptional SLUSD pet that deserves a moment in the sun and some ear scratches? Please send them over to communications@slusd.us and give us all a smile!

Mediterranean Bowls

An easy vegan sheet pan recipe served with high-protein tzatziki dressing.

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed

1 red bell pepper roughly chopped

1 red onion roughly chopped

2½ cups mini potatoes quartered

Spices and seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Vegan High-Protein Tzatziki

• ½ cucumber large, grated
• 1½ cups vegan yogurt unsweetened, coconut or soy
• ½ cup cashews optional, for extra creaminess
• 1 cup extra firm tofu
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a reusable sheet.
2. Add the chickpeas, bell pepper, onion, and mini potatoes, along with the olive oil and spices. Mix until evenly covered, and place in the oven for 40 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through. 
3. While the sheet pan bakes, make your high-protein tzatziki. Using a cheesecloth or clean cloth, drain out the liquid from the grated cucumber and discard. In a blender, combine the vegan yogurt, cashews, tofu, and garlic until smooth. 
4. Stir in the cucumber, fresh dill, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper.
5. Spread the tzatziki onto a plate, followed by the baked vegetables. Enjoy immediately!

(Credit: simple-veganista)

Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites

Zesty, creamy, and flavorful, these Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites are made with only seven healthy ingredients! A quick & and easy on-the-go snack.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup Quick-Cooking Oats
• ½ cup Raw Cashews
• 2 tbsp Cashew Butter 
• ¼ cup Real Maple Syrup
• Juice + Zest of 1 Lemon
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 tsp Poppy Seeds
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

1. First, add the oats to your blender or food processor and process until a fine flour forms. Toss in the cashews and pulse until finely ground as well.
2. Add all remaining ingredients except poppy seeds to the blender and pulse/process until a thick, uniform dough forms. Pulse in the poppy seeds until well combined, or transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold them in by hand.
3. Use a 2 tbsp scoop to measure out each ball, and roll each ball in between your hands until it forms an even circle. Store these bites in the fridge for up to 10 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. If you opt for the freezer, let each ball thaw for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.