WICT Greater Ohio
Inside Look
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Jeannette Richardson
President
WICT Greater Ohio
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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses, with information including the fact that 18% of Americans are diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, the realities of living with these conditions, and strategies for attaining mental health and wellness.
Mental health involves the well-being of our emotional, psychological and social selves. Many factors may contribute to mental illness, including a history of trauma, adverse childhood experiences, biological factors, feelings of loneliness, isolation, and more. The effects of traumatic experiences and toxic stress can often last a lifetime.
This month, our newsletter will focus on the importance of self-care and the importance of you! Your needs are just as important as the needs of those who you support or care for and we want you to know that it is okay to take some time to care for yourself.
Promoting Self-care and Well-being:
1. Value yourself:
Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects or broaden your horizons.
2. Take care of your body:
Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:
- Eat nutritious meals.
- Drink plenty of water.
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Exercise to help decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods.
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Get enough sleep.
3. Learn how to deal with stress:
Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
4. Quiet your mind:
Try meditating and mindfulness. Relaxation exercises can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.
Learn More @ SAMHSA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
This month’s highlights include information that you can use to enhance your self-care regimen, such as eating right and developing a self-care plan that will strengthen your mind, body and soul. Please take a moment to acknowledge those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st. Don’t forget to join us for our 2021 Annual WICT GO 5K Virtual Run/Walk between Friday, May 28 and Monday, May 31.
Regards,
Jeannette Richardson
President
WICT Greater Ohio
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Upcoming Events/Opportunities
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Can you guess the answer?
I am the beginning of the end, and the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. What am I?
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As part of Maintenance in May, we encouraged you to make small changes that support your physical, mental, and social health as we adapt to our "new-normal." A Virtual 5k is something fun, easy and low-key to do while supporting all aspects of our own "self-care"
Taking part is super simple. Here's all you need to do:
1. Use your GPS watches if you have them, e.g. "Map My Run," Nike Run Club app, or Google Maps to plot out a safe 5k path in your neighborhood. (Treadmills are OK too!)
2. Have fun-- take selfies on your run/walk and pictures of your route! Send them to and tag WICTGO or post on your social media with the hashtag #WICTGOGIRL2021
3. Get the whole family and the doggos involved or go solo!
4. No pressure! Complete at your own pace, you can run, walk or BOTH!
5. In case there is a chance of rain in the forecast, you will have 4 days to complete the 3.1 miles - Friday, May 28-Monday, May 31.
Be sure to register today! It's FREE!
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Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30 regardless of the day of the week it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May.
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Join us for our 2-part virtual Lunch and Learn Series on being intentional, our commitment and how to execute on Wednesday, May 26 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
What does it mean to be INTENTIONAL?
When you are intentional, you choose to make decisions and take action on what is important to you. Being intentional means getting clear and up front about what you want to achieve. You intentionally set an intention to achieve a specific outcome or result in the future.
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Happy Mother's Day to all of our WICT Greater Ohio Members |
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Article to Read
Do you ever find yourself checking your work email outside of work hours? Check out this article for some helpful tips and information
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WICT Online Learning Library and Free Online Learning Opportunities |
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During this uncertain time, many of us are facing new challenges such as working remotely or having to self-quarantine. Just like this Forbes article reminds us, while we cannot completely control what is happening during this pandemic, we can look for opportunities to engage our communities in positive ways.
To help you with this effort, the WICT Online Learning Library is open to members. Not a member? Join today and access this benefit and more!
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There are many different ways you can continue to increase your knowledge and learning.
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Remember to bookmark the WICT Global and WICT Greater Ohio websites
for up-to-date news and events!
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Are you on LinkedIn? Check out and follow our group page.
Keyword Search: WICT Greater Ohio
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2021 WICT Global Events Calendar |
Click the link below to stay up to date with programs and events.
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