March 2024

International Women's Day

March is Women’s History Month with International Women’s Day recognized on March 8.  This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Inspire Inclusion.” 

March 8 was chosen as International Women’s Day in 1911. Women’s History Week was established 1978 and Women’s History Month in 1986. Learn more about Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month Local Events Links and events:

Dallas News, Women’s History Month Events

Allevents in Dallas, Women’s History Month Events Calendar

February 2024

Nurture Connections

The word “nurture” brings to mind words like grow, cultivate, support, sustain, care for, encourage, and develop. Finding time for relationship building can be challenging. Wake Counseling and
Mediation lists 10 easy steps to improve relationships. Learn about meaningful connections and how to nurture them.

Upcoming Observances

Here are a few national days to celebrate in February.

Feb. 16 is National Caregivers Day, a day to thank healthcare professionals nationwide who provide long-term and hospice care.

Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Help spread compassion and positivity through small,  unexpected kind acts.

Feb. 26 is National Letter to an Elder Day. The day is a reminder that loved ones enjoy hearing from us, and a simple letter brightens their day.

January 2024

Connect With Colleagues

Connect with colleagues over lunch to enrich your spring semester.

The Red Room offers “a higher degree of dining” for guests. The Red Room, an AAS degree capstone course and working educational lab, is serviced by Collin College’s Culinary and Pastry Arts students.

The Frisco Campus Red Room lunch service starts on Friday, Jan. 26 with seating reservations from
11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The price for a three-course meal is $15 (+tax). Reservations are needed.

December 2023

Looking for something to do over the festive season?

An amazing website to find Collin County and DFW area events is the Collin County Events Calendar, brought to you by americantowns.com. Also, this specially curated list of holiday displays will have you feeling dazzled and delighted! Events include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more!

Let it Go!

Holidays symbolize many special things. Gift-giving and gift-receiving. Holiday lights. Hustle and Bustle. Decadent meals and spirits. Familial traditions. Special moments with friends and family. Peace and joyfulness. And also - maybe some tension. Tension due to strained relationships with family members.  

There are many ways to navigate potentially difficult situations with family and learning to do so may help keep the holidays as peaceful and as joyful as possible. One of the best ways to start navigating difficult relationships is to be prepared. Set realistic expectations and also set boundaries and priorities. Know when to step out and take a break away and escape for a moment by yourself.  

Holiday gatherings may also be a perfect time to try to reconnect with your loved ones. Breathe Easy Therapy Services offer some great advice on navigating difficult relationships during the holidays, letting go, and finding peace during the holiday season. Find some great tips here.  

November 2023

GRATITUDE CAN CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE

As we roll into fall and before we get too caught up in the business of the upcoming holiday season, let’s take a moment to reflect on all the things we are grateful for. Expressing gratefulness has been shown to increase inner peace and contentment as well as improve overall health and well-being. Being grateful for challenging times will help you appreciate the successes you’ve experienced. 

Making a list of things to be thankful for is one place to start. The list could include anything from being thankful for being alive to being thankful for the hot shower you took in the morning, or it could be more focused, like being thankful for your ability to handle stress at work. The Berkeley Well-Being Institute has created a list of 90 things to be thankful for to help you create yours. 

Expressing gratitude is also shown by serving others. Concrete Cowboy at the Star is hosting Feed the City: Frisco on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8-10 a.m. Volunteers will help build brown bag meals for people in need. Volunteers must sign up through Tango Charities at Feed The City: Frisco. All ages are welcome. 

If a turkey trot is more your style, consider the Frisco Turkey Trot, which benefits the Miracle League of Texas and is held on Thanksgiving morning. Sign up here: North Texas Turkey Trot 2023.  

October 2023

Reconnect with Yourself and Others

From Ron Reczek: As a Collin College family, we understand the power and importance of community service and volunteerism. An important aspect of the Wellness Connection Pillar is to bring volunteer connection opportunities to the Collin College family. As employees, we support Collin College values through our community service and volunteer activities. Service to others has positive effects on our mental well-being and attitude toward others.  For October, members of the connection pillar are pleased to bring some specific volunteering opportunities and articles showcasing the benefits to your well-being. As a food service and hospitality professional, I know the impact we can have in our community and enjoy volunteering at the Community Garden Kitchen (CGK) of Collin County.

Amy Throop has found some quick-to-read articles summarizing the benefits of volunteering, including the positive impact it can have on those suffering with depression. October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so consider volunteering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation or the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

From Michelle Valencia: Your relationship with yourself matters and should be prioritized. It is critical that we treat ourselves well in all aspects – physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Investing in self-love is as important as investing in relationships with your friends, family, and community. In addition, negative self-talk and failing to address your own physical, social, and mental needs can lead to depression. Please read more about how to love yourself and why it matters.

September 2023

September is Self-Improvement Month. 

Personal improvement is an ongoing process that can help you to create more joy, happiness, and contentment in your life.

Why do you want to improve yourself? Perhaps you want to learn new things, replace bad habits, become more productive, find emotional balance, or improve your relationships? Whatever it is, we’ve put together this guide to help. Find out how to improve yourself with these 20 practical self-improvement tips.
But remember, developing yourself takes time and dedication, so be kind to yourself.

Eat What's in Season

Fruits and vegetables in season are cheaper and better in flavor and nutrition. Enjoy fresh local produce all year long with this monthly guide to what’s in season in Texas. Learn where to find fresh fruits and vegetables and how to incorporate them into your seasonal dishes!

August 2023

The Marvel of Connection

Connection within a community holds immense value, transcending age and fostering a sense of belonging and support that nurtures individuals throughout their lives. From childhood to old age, the power of meaningful relationships and social bonds positively impacts physical, mental, and emotional health, creating a ripple effect of well-being.

During the formative years of childhood and adolescence, strong connections within the community contribute to healthy development. Social interactions with peers and mentors build essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience. A supportive community environment promotes self-esteem and reduces the likelihood of social isolation, protecting against mental health challenges in later life.

In adulthood, the benefits of community connections continue to manifest. Engaging in communal activities, whether through sports clubs, volunteer groups, or cultural gatherings, fosters a sense of purpose and reduces stress. The sharing of experiences and knowledge creates a support network, buffering against the pressures of daily life and promoting mental well-being. Additionally, community connections encourage individuals to adopt healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise, better nutrition, and increased compliance with medical advice.

As individuals transition into their senior years, community connections become even more critical. Isolation is a prevalent issue among the elderly, leading to a decline in physical and cognitive health. Engaging in community events and socializing can counteract this isolation, enhancing cognitive function and preserving mental acuity. Furthermore, elderly individuals who maintain strong connections often have a higher quality of life, improved emotional resilience, and reduced risk of age-related mental health disorders.

The value of connection within a community is immeasurable. At every stage of life, nurturing and participating in these bonds yields tremendous health benefits. It bolsters the development of children, enhances the well-being of adults, and safeguards the vitality of the elderly. Recognizing and investing in community connections is not only a testament to the strength of human relationships but also a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant society.

Find out more about the value of connection and involvement in The Participation Phenomenon.

July 2023

Gratitude Builds Resilience and Emotional Well-Being

Did you enjoy your hot mug of coffee this morning? See a beautiful sunrise? Studies suggest that making a habit of noticing what’s going well in your life could have health benefits. Taking time to feel gratitude may improve your health, and one study finds that gratitude was linked to fewer signs of heart disease.

Fewer negative emotions give you the edge with bounce-back ability from difficulties. The NHS Emotional Wellness Toolkit suggest you dive into these six habits to build resilience:

• Practice gratitude. Take time to note things to be thankful for daily.
• Take time for yourself daily. Notice those good moments and do something you enjoy today.
• Explore your beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life. Think about how to guide your days structured by the principles important to you.
• Tap into social connections and community. Surround yourself with positivity and healthy people. Reach out for help when you need it.
• Develop healthy physical habits. Improve your mental and physical health with healthy eating, physical activity, and regular sleep.
• Look at those challenges from different angles. Look at those challenges as stepping stones and opportunities for growth.

Start with gratitude. Make gratitude your regular habit in July. You’ll notice moments of positivity even when you are stressed. Meditate. Share in a small act of kindness. Take a moment to jot down three things you are grateful for before you close your eyes each night. The benefits of jotting down a few things you are grateful for today take moments, but the benefits are powerful. You can start to boost your mood, discover hope in that moment of chaos, and give yourself the opportunity to reframe your day while supporting your emotional wellness today.

June 2023

Did you know? Exercise is socially contagious!

It’s true! MIT researchers found that simply surrounding yourself with buddies who work out can motivate you to stay active. Research says that having a plan to get those steps tackled or laps completed in the pool with a buddy is a key motivator in helping you stay active.

Here are seven reasons, from Everyday Health, you should find an exercise partner right now:

1. You’ll be even more committed to your goals.
2. You’ll be less likely to get bored and quit.
3. It’ll help you feel less stressed.
4. You’ll push yourself to work harder.
5. It might help you to stick to your weight loss goals.
6. It’s usually safer.
7. You may even live a few years longer.

It is June, and your body is absolutely a beach body! Start with your existing relationships and schedule a time to walk around the park with someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Find some opportunities to be social and enjoy these beautiful days before the 100-degree weather begins. Join a group or enroll in a class that does something you enjoy and engage with people. Volunteer at your local shelter or offer to take an elderly neighbor's pet for a walk. Nurture your fundamental need for connection and enjoy a socially contagious workout today.

Read more at www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/reasons-you-should-find-exercise-partner-right-now

	Burnalong - 2023 Wellness Themes June - Physical health: Every body is a beach body.
	Find the best volunteer opportunites in Collin County VolunteerMatch.org