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Self-Care and Mindfulness: Navigating Stressful Work and School Periods
Hello our Vilhelmians!
We have an exciting newsletter entry from our guest writer, Kim, who shares insightful tips on self-care and mindfulness. Kim is thrilled to contribute to the Vilhelm community. Here’s what Kim has to say:
Hi everyone, Kim here! I’m super excited to be part of this week’s newsletter. As many of you know, I’m currently in my final year of a bachelor’s degree in child development. Since starting this journey in 2020, I’ve experienced a lot of learning, growth, and challenges.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the significance of self-care and mindfulness. These practices have become my anchors, helping me maintain balance amidst academic responsibilities and life’s everyday demands.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Stress
Getting outside and exercising, whether it’s hitting the gym or going for a walk, is key. If you prefer indoor workouts, apps like Nike Training can help. Fresh air is beneficial for your lungs and overall well-being.
Prioritize sleep by aiming for 6-7 hours each night. It’s vital for overall health. Limiting screen time at least 2 hours before bed can significantly improve sleep quality.
Maintaining a balanced diet by eating three balanced meals a day, including vegetables, protein, and healthy carbs, has made a huge difference for me. Juicing can be a great addition to your routine for extra nutrients.
Engage in hobbies you love, like listening to music, reading, or any activity you enjoy. These provide much-needed breaks and boost your mood.
Using planners or digital tools can help keep track of assignments, exams, and important dates. Organizing your schedule reduces stress and helps you stay on top of your workload.
Mindfulness Practices
Mindful breathing, where you take a few moments to focus on your breath, helps center your mind and reduce stress.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on each part of your body and relaxing any tension. This practice can be very soothing.
Mindful eating means paying full attention to the experience of eating. Savor each bite and appreciate the flavors and textures.
Communication and Organization
Keep open lines of communication with employers or professors about commitments and time off for exams or mental health days. Create a schedule with specific time blocks for work and studies to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure you meet deadlines.
Enjoy Your Free Time
Enjoy activities you love in your free time, whether it’s exercising, playing video games, dancing, or sports. These activities help keep stress at bay.
Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or juggling multiple responsibilities, I hope these insights are helpful. Let’s all focus on self-care and mindfulness.
All the best,
Kim
Let’s all take a page from Kim’s book and prioritize self-care and mindfulness. It’s essential for our well-being, especially during stressful times. Take care, and until next time!
Tiny Tales from Alyce’s Weekly Wonders
Hello World, it’s me, Alyce!
Guess what? This week I hit the big FIVE months! Can you believe it?
First off, laying down in my crib or high chair is sooo last month. Nope, not for me anymore! I’d much rather be playing on the floor where I can wiggle and roll around, or being carried around the house. There’s so much to see! I love checking out all the cool furniture, pretty art, and what’s happening outside in the backyard. The birds, the trees, everything is just fascinating!
And guess what else? I’m getting super excited about eating real food! Mommy and gave me tiny sips of formula in a bottle a couple of times and I did great! It’s all so new and fun. I can’t wait to grow bigger so I can finally taste those yummy grapes my Dad keeps teasing me with!
So, that’s my big update for now. Life is so full of new adventures, and I’m loving every minute of it. Sending lots of love and baby giggles your way!
Hugs and slobbery kisses,
Alyce 💕
A Joyous Visit: Family Time with Our Five-Month-Old Daughter
Hello Vilhelmians!
There’s nothing quite like the joy of family and friends coming together, especially when there’s a new member to celebrate. Recently, we hosted a small get-together so everyone could meet and spend time with our five-month-old daughter, Alyce.
From the moment they arrived, our home was filled with laughter, love, and endless cooing. Because Alyce has been sick, we haven’t had many visitors to keep her from getting any coughs or colds. This visit was a chance for our family to finally see how much she has grown and to hold her, which they hadn’t been able to do since she was born. Watching them bond with her was a touching moment we will always cherish.
Our friends brought an array of delicious Afghan food, a treat we hadn’t enjoyed in a while. We gathered for an afternoon lunch, sharing dishes filled with rich flavors and reminiscing about the time we had a heated discussion about how Jamaicans are Africans. We remembered how that debate from the past got so lively, we almost needed a referee! Moments like these spark laughter and bring us closer, as we build new memories to cherish alongside the old ones.
The visit was not without its unexpected moments. In the middle of lunch, Alyce decided it was time for a bit of excitement by pulling out her NG tube. This abrupt incident brought the party to a quick halt as we focused on making sure she was alright. While it added a bit of stress, it also became a memorable part of the day, reminding us of the unpredictable joys of parenting.
Despite the interruption, having our family around brought immense joy. Watching Alyce interact with each family member, even at such a young age, was truly magical. The visit also gave us a chance to share stories, catch up, and create new memories. There were plenty of photo opportunities, from candid shots of her playing with her cousins to group photos that will undoubtedly become cherished keepsakes. It was a wonderful reminder of the importance of family bonds and the joy that comes from being together.
Having our family around not only brought happiness to Alyce but also gave us, as parents, a moment to reflect on the incredible support system we have. Moments like these remind us how fortunate we are to have such loving and caring people in our lives. As we look back on this special visit, our hearts are full of gratitude. Our daughter is growing up surrounded by love, and we couldn’t be happier to share these precious early moments with our family.
Until next time,
Damian, Kat, Alyce, and the dogs
Woof Woof! 🐾
This week has been a bit lonely for us pups. Dad’s back to work full-time, and we’re definitely feeling the lack of belly rubs. Our big, fluffy hearts miss him so much!
Dapper, in particular, has been getting into all sorts of mischief. He’s been sneaking around and stealing Alyce’s toys. At first, it was a lot of fun for him (and admittedly, a bit amusing to watch), but now Mom and Dad are getting upset with him. Dapper’s antics are getting out of paw!
However, Dad made it up to us a bit by having Uncle Moe, Aunt Ang, and Aretha over this weekend for a visit. We got so many belly rubs! It was fantastic, and we felt so loved and pampered.
As the weather gets warmer, our walks have been getting shorter since we can’t breathe that well in the heat. We really miss our long strolls, but we understand it’s for our own good. Maybe we can start taking some earlier walks when it’s cooler.
We hope Dad finds some extra time for us soon because we miss his snuggles and attention. In the meantime, we’ll try to stay out of trouble (no promises, though!).
Paws and tail wags,
Your loyal canine reporters
Thank you to our dear Vilhelmians for following our adventures! Hit like and subscribe for more! Get ready for a wild ride! Hit that subscribe button to join our awesome Substack community! Vilheeeeeelm!