Crestwood Employee Center
Have you ever noticed how the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves of the trees mirrors the sound of the waves crashing and gliding across the shore? Or, how the sound of the wind whistling through a canyon corridor carries a soft gentle note like a flute? What about the sound of raindrops hitting your window, echoing the percussive tap on a snare drum? The earth in all its beauty is a multifaceted gem; each time we venture out into the forest, mountains, or ocean, we experience a unique soundscape and scenic ecosystem that reminds us of the planet’s undeniable elegance and interconnectivity.
In honor of the earth’s incredible ecology, “every year on April 22, Earth Day is celebrated, marking the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement.”1 Established in 1970, Earth Day was founded to champion environmental advocacy and collective action to promote the preservation of the planet, and the conservation of the earth’s natural resources. These efforts have led to monumental progress like global cleanups and tree planting projects; spotlighting the importance of nature and how it shapes our quality of life, communities, and even our mental health!
Over the years, Earth Day’s influence has highlighted the environment’s massive impact on our mind and emotions. In fact, research suggests the environment is so powerful that experiencing nature at least two hours a week can help lower stress hormones, reduce nervous system arousal, and regulate anxiety and ADHD.2 With nature providing such amazing mental health benefits, Earth Day projects that safeguard the planet also become a means to protect an essential avenue for our mental well-being. How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day? Click the link below to learn about some fun and easy ways to invest in the planet!
Earth Day Activities: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-tips/
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
We can all be charming gardeners in the lives of others, encouraging, uplifting, and nurturing those around us with our kind words and thoughtful actions. We can all plant seeds of hope.
Imagine a person going through their day and you have an opportunity to sow a seed of hope. Maybe it’s through a compliment or simple smile. Then another person comes along and waters that seed with a word of encouragement. Perhaps someone else sits down and listens while the individual works through a concern, helping to clear away the weeds from the soil of their heart. And yet another person comes along and shines a bright ray of happiness through their cheerful attitude and contagious optimism. All of these unique interactions have helped to nurture that initial seed of hope, bolstering its growth and resilience. Soon, it can’t help but blossom into a flower of joy!
Every day we have opportunities to be gardeners, planting and nurturing the seeds that will flower and flourish in the lives of the people we serve, our coworkers, and our communities. How will you plant seeds of hope today?
When is the last time you received a card in the mail? Peeking out amongst the bills and advertisements, perhaps you saw a colored envelope or the sprawling script of a friend’s return address. It probably made your day when you sat down and opened a beautiful birthday card or a get well note from a loved one. Or maybe the card was a cheerful note to say that someone was thinking of you. Sometimes those cards are the best of all!
April is National Card & Letter Writing Month! Why not take some time to express your gratitude and appreciation for a friend? Write a note of encouragement to a relative, letting them know they’ve been on your mind. It will make someone’s day to know they are being thought of! Whether you choose a fun card with the perfect message, or write your own words from the heart, your gesture can spark joy in someone’s day!
With April Fool’s Day sparking laughter across the nation each year, it is not a coincidence that a day dedicated to joking, joy, and amusement kicks off National Humor Month! Created in 1976 by author and humorist, Larry Wilde, April was selected as National Humor Month to highlight the positive ripple effect that laughter has on our mind and body. Now, in observation for more than 45 years, National Humor Month has played an important role in helping society recognize humor as one of the most powerful and effective tools for regulating our emotions. “Through laughing, we can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety; strengthen our immune systems, and recharge our bodies,”1 making humor a wonderful outlet to support mindfulness. Ultimately, humor’s cathartic effect improves our overall mood and is a fun, lighthearted way for us to reset and rejuvenate. Have you ever thought about how great you feel after a good laugh? Consider using the following ideas as a mindfulness practice to cultivate greater joy and emotional stability in your life.
- Watch your favorite sitcom or comedy movie 2
- Listen to an amusing podcast during your commute or in your free time
- Spend time with family and friends who share your sense of humor 3
- Follow a funny influencer on social media and check out their content when you need a laugh
- Stream a comedy special on Netflix, Hulu, or Peacock
April 1 – 30: Arab American Heritage Month
April 1 – 30: National Month of Hope
April 1 – 30: National Humor Month
April 1 – 30: National Card & Letter Writing Month
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
April 7: World Health Day
April 11: Day of Silence
April 12 – 20: Passover
April 20: Easter
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: Administrative Professionals Day
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