Welcome to Mindful March!

Let's pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully. 



Click here to download and print the calendar.

Seven Ways to Have a Healthier Relationship With Stress

Are you suffering from chronic stress? Many of us are—whether we’re stressed out by our jobs, complicated relationships, caregiving responsibilities, or the general state of the world. A new book by renowned stress researcher Elissa Epel explains how stress affects our bodies at the cellular level and how to manage it better. Read more here.

International Women's Day is March 8

This annual celebration is a perfect time to learn more about many women's health topics, like fertility, menopause, and osteoporosis, just to name a few. Get informed and empowered here!

Spring Starts Monday, March 20

Greet the new season with some Monday moves that increase flexibility, mobility, and gratitude! See six reasons to practice daily sun salutations here.

Mental Health Care is a Call Away

SLUSD partners with Claremont EAP and Care Solace to support our collective well-being, including you and your family. If you or your family needs support, use these resources available to you as a valued member of SLUSD:

1. Claremont Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Call 800-834-3773 if your need is urgent, or visit their website at: https://www.claremonteap.com/

2. Care Solace: Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language. Visit www.caresolace.com/slusdfamilies and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Inspiration in our Halls

There are so many moments around us to be inspired by creativity and beauty. Thank you to Bancroft's Deanna Slaton for sending over much-needed words of wisdom about the many sources of motivation surrounding us.

"As I walk through the halls, surrounded by doors, posters, and banners that honor Black history and culture, I fill with love and pride. Filling my heart and soul in this way definitely contributes to my health and wellness, and I know it does for others as well."

--Deanna Slaton, Bancroft

Take a stroll through Bancroft here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Apollo Mayfield

SLUSD Executive Assistant Michelle Mayfield welcomes a new bundle of joy!

The fabulous Ms. Mayfield and her husband brought home a really adorable handful! Apollo's timing is absolutely perfect for celebrating National Puppy Day on March 23 (yes, it's a real thing. Google it and get ready for some unbearable cuteness). Apollo, we can't wait to soon see your wiggly self in person.

We want to see your pets, babies, beautiful gardens, or any other photos that give you joy! Send your photos to communications@slusd.us and share the love!

Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup

Cold weather requires soup, and this recipe calls for zero dairy products, yet, it has a wonderfully creamy consistency. It’s also extremely easy to make!

Ingredients

2 pounds asparagus

1 small yellow onion diced

4 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 ½ cups russet potatoes peeled and diced

6 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a large pot over low-medium heat, cook the onions in olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until clear. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the asparagus and potatoes. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Let cool slightly. Puree in a high-powered blender or food processor. Serve with vegan bacon, dairy-free Parmesan, or scallions.

(Credit: Cleangreensimple)

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

A delicious baked oatmeal recipe that is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup oat flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
• 2 cups unsweetened cashew milk or other plant milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vegan yogurt
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts and more for topping

Cashew Cream Cheese Icing

• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 lemon zested

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375F and grease or line a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper.
• Add all the dry ingredients except the walnuts to the baking dish, including the oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix. Then add the wet ingredients, including the carrot, yogurt, maple syrup, plant milk, and vanilla. Stir until thoroughly combined.
• Top with crushed walnuts if desired, and place in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes until cooked through.
• While the baked oatmeal cooks, you can make the cashew cream cheese icing by adding the icing ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Combine until smooth, and ice the top of the oatmeal once cooled. Store the oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

(Credit: Plantyou)

How We Find Meaning in Our Grief

See this Q&A with professor Chris Davis on how we make sense of loss—and how to support people in their grief. Read more here.