As the weather warms up and we get a little spring in our step, we thought we’d share some simple ways to tap into that extra energy (or cultivate more energy), and increase your movement: Boost your efficiency for the day by getting your heart rate up for 10-20 minutes as soon as you wake up (ten-minute ideas here), Walk the halls or the outside of your building for 10 minutes before and/or after work, Be intentional and schedule three exercise sessions into your calendar this week, Try a 12-minute bedtime yoga practice, Commit to only scrolling social media while standing or walking (cautiously), Use the copy machine at the other end of the building or do squats while waiting, Have a walking lunch with a colleague, or Walk to talk to someone instead of sending them an email.   We hope you find these ideas simple and of benefit this month. From the heart, Kalise, Aly, & Angie

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Table of Contents How to Create Mindful Bliss with Mind Space Wisdom Shared Nutrition UniversiTEA: Dirty dozen and Clean 15 Tips for Student Well-Being

If we told you we had one way to prevent overwhelm and burnout while helping you to stress less and focus on what matters more, would you try it? It’s called creating "Mind Space" and it’s something we do here at Steeping Wellness all the time.     Think of creating Mind Space as downloading all the thoughts and feelings from your head onto paper. This is your no filter opportunity to declutter your mind and can be done anytime you are in need of a brain reset. From the committee of people trying to talk to you, to the tornado of thoughts and to-do’s swirling around in your head, nailing and writing them all down into absolutes can help! Continue reading the full article by clicking here.

Here are some of the inspiring messages that were shared with us last month: "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Don't try to make those people fit where they aren't intended. This is what causes your pain and brokenness. Try to find the lesson being send to you through that person to build your own strength and character." - Abigail London "When you feel overwhelmed by all the things you have to do, ask yourself, 'Am I ready for tomorrow?' and if the answer is yes, set everything down and let yourself relax for the night." This saved me on multiple occasions when I felt like I would be at school until 2 AM "getting things done." Sometimes, just being ready for tomorrow is enough. I received this advice my second year as an educator when we suddenly found ourselves short-staffed and knew it would remain that way: "Slow down! Why would you expect to be able to do 1/3 more work in the same amount of time?" Slow down and give yourself permission to say "I need more time" or "I need help." Slowing down instead of being in a frenzy of overwork helps avoid mistakes and also sends the message that this in not sustainable. Prioritize a "must" from a "would be nice." "Take a lunch break every day, even if it's for 5 minutes. This can really help reset your day." "Sometimes you just have to throw life in the air and see where it lands." This advice helps me to step out of my comfort zone. Thank you to those who participated! Congratulations to Karen Wydeven from Milton and Inger Roefl and Katie Hoffman from Lake Mills for winning the prize drawing! Your prizes are on their way.

Each year, the Environmental Working Group prepares a guide with the top 12 produce items you should buy organic, and the top 15 items that are generally low in pesticides. We love this list as it helps us determine when to spend the money on organic produce, and where it doesn’t matter as much. This saves on our pocketbooks and also keeps our health in regard. The guide is updated annually and ranks pesticide contamination on the most popular fruits and vegetables, based on “more than 35,200 samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration,” according to the EWG.  You can learn more by clicking here Click here for a PDF download of the guide

Supplies tend to get low at the end of the school year for students. We can ease the stress of students by removing barriers and keeping some supplies on hand for times of need. It takes away the worry of having to explain your family can’t afford supplies or doesn’t have time to go to the store. Or the embarrassment of admitting you forgot your notebook and pencils at home…again. Not having to stress over supplies takes away so much stress, which leaves room for learning.  Here are some ways to build an “extra supplies bin”: Have collection bins for students to donate usable items they no longer need. This is especially important at the end of the school year when some students throw out their old supplies, even though they still have lots of life left.  Set up an Amazon wish list of what is needed. Ask local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and clubs to host school supply drives.  Make it known in your community that your school is working to have free school supplies available to all students through the newspaper and social media.

Help us learn more about what you want to hear. Which article was your favorite? Welcome Message: Increasing Movement Select Mindful Bliss with Mind Space Select Shared Wisdom Select Nutrition UniversiTEA Select Student well-being tips Select

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