It’s a new year, but unfortunately COVID is still among us. Moreover, we don’t really know how much longer we will have to be limiting our social interactions, so it’s very important to remember to take care of our mental health and ourselves.

So, how are you taking care of your self?

For me, I’ve found that the best self-care has come by allowing myself to put everything aside and watch my favorite shows or listen to music while just relaxing. Because it’s often hard to disconnect when we are working from home or have to be home for the majority of the time, I encourage you to take time specifically to unwind and indulge in what makes you happy.

Other ways you may find relief or can practice self care include but are not limited to:

-Taking a shower or bath
-Doing your hair or makeup (even if you aren’t going anywhere)
-Having a mini photo shoot from the comfort of your own home
-Setting up a game night virtually
-Facetiming favorite relatives or friends on a consistent basis
-Ordering or cooking your favorite meals

Please comment what you’ve been doing to take care of yourself!!!

It’s Finals! Take a deep breath… I find these songs really soothing and inspiring. Studying is stress, exams make us nervous… music can help to solve the problem.
Hopefully, these songs help to bring about the right mood.

1. Alina Baraz & Galimatias – Fantasy

2. London Grammar, “Shyer”

3. Tokimonsta – The World Is Ours

4. Tomas Barfod, Nina K., “Aftermath”

5. Fire and Rain – James Taylor

6. Adele – Set Fire To The Rain

7. Ellie Goulding – Burn

8. Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe

9. Milky Chance – Stolen Dance

10. Ed Sheeran – I See Fire

1. Happy – Pharrell Williams

2. Jason Mraz – I’m Yours

3. Bruno Mars – The Lazy Song

4. Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved

5. Alicia Keys – Girl On Fire

6. Ella Henderson – Ghost

7. Survivor – Eye of the tiger

8. “Beautiful Day” — U2

9. Bob Marley-Don’t worry be happy

10. Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)

G.M.’s Monster – Gavin, a new member to our Young Adult Connection group created his monster, inspired by Toby Allen’s illustrations of mental illnesses. Although Gavin did not explain what his monster represents to him, we can all say his monster looks a bit like a mad scientist. Gavin will be returning to college this fall…so it is very fitting!

Art by Gavin

Sara is inspired by Toby Allen’s illustration of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) monster. Relative to the anxiety monster, the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Monster can be found stalking battlefields or lurking near traumatic events and natural disasters, feeding off the collective trauma and fear. On her monster’s back are various targets to remind her of experiences. 

Artist: Sara

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