SUPERPOWERS
Cinema Therapy: How We Can Use Movies To Learn More About Ourselves
Everyone has that one movie they could watch over and over again. Whether it’s a comedy or a love story, action or thriller, there is just that one storyline that always makes us feel better. Well, have you ever wondered why that is? According to Birgit Wolz, PhD., MFT, “Cinema therapy can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth… {it} allows us to use the effect of imagery, plot, music, etc. in films on our psyche for insight, inspiration, emotional release or relief, and natural change.” Movies can help encourage an emotional...
read moreDoodling Your Way to That “A”
Do you have notebooks, worksheets, planners filled with doodles? Ever thought about why you do this, or why when you are doodling you seem to be able to pay attention more? Well according to this article put together by Canva, there are countless reasons as to how doodling affects our brains about why it is actually good for us. We give the basics below, but for a more in-depth look at each reason, be sure to read what Canva has to say. Doodling stops your brain from slipping into a default state A default state is when we are...
read moreCommunity Resources to Help Write Your Way Into That Dream School
College admissions requirements, especially those pesky essay questions, got you feeling a little like this? Do the words “tell me a little bit about yourself” suddenly cause you to forget every superpower you have or exciting thing you have ever done? Well, don’t stress, we have all been there. And there are resources in your community that can help. Ilinois Wesleyan University’s (IWU) Writing Center is the one-stop-shop for all your writing needs! Would you like help with application essays for college?...
read moreNapping Your Way to Success
It’s a fact that short naps in the afternoon can help to increase learning and memory, improve reasoning and problem solving skills, and even put us in a better mood. Study after study will confirm that. But often time they don’t give suggestions on how to nap. via GIPHY Here are just some suggestions from Casper, visit the link to find out more tips for the best nap you’ve ever had, as well as learn more about how napping can help improve our minds throughout the day. Time it for 20 minutes 20 minutes allows us to feel rested...
read moreFriendship Goals
The best friendships come from knowing who you are and using your strengths to help others. There are so many quizzes in on the internet that claim they can tell us who our “one true self” is, but which one should you choose? via GIPHY via GIPHY It is important that when you are looking for a quiz to take, you find one that is going to help you learn about yourself. One that is on a site that shows you the research behind the quiz itself and not just the first one on Google. So as fun as finding out which character from...
read moreFinding Your Footing In the Political World
Excited about the future and about how you’re going to change the world, but you don’t quite know where or how to start? via GIPHY The first step is to always start at home. This means joining your school’s Student Government organization. Student government represents the best interests of a school’s student body and helps shape the student experience on campus. But why stop there. Local and Area Governments want to hear from you! Attend meetings, sign up to speak about causes you care about, and once you turn 18 run for a position....
read moreThe COVID-19 Pandemic Is Tough But You Can Be Tougher
If you are like many, physical distancing is getting old and your mental health might be starting to suffer. This is very common. We know the steps we are taking are important to protect physical health but it doesn’t always make it easier. With all of this time on your hands, you may be tempted to make poor decisions…. We understand that but are confident you can turn those decisions around, laugh a little about even thinking about them, and move onto managing this time in ways that will help you come...
read moreYou Want the Tooth About Marijuana?
Wow, all this talk and action to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes has people wondering if it really is safe. As a teen, what you need to know is that it is NOT SAFE for you. The Academy of Pediatrics was not going to allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes for anyone under the age of 18 because of the harms it can cause to a developing a brain (That is what you have, a brain still under construction. This is true regardless of how mature your body appears.) They have relented only for extreme medical...
read moreBenefits of Practicing Mindfulness
Focus – Mindful meditation has been correlated directly with cognitive flexibility and attentional functioning. Cognitive flexibility – With the help of mindful meditation, you can become less reactive and develop the skill of self-observation. You will begin to develop more adaptive responses to stressful or negative situations. Relationship satisfaction – By practicing mindful meditation, you are able to respond well to stress in relationships and become better at communicating your emotions to a partner. Stress...
read moreGive Yourself a Mental Break
High School can be a very stressful time. Applying for colleges, after school practices, unhealthy diets and an awful sleep schedule can take a toll on your body and brain. Resulting in anxiety, depression and mood swings that could possibly affect your connections with others. Here are 10 ideas to improve your mental health! 1.) Meditation Use your spare time in-between classes to close your eyes, deep breath and relax. Doing this will ease your mind and possibly give you a new perspective on your day. 2.) Make Positive Lists Focusing...
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