Live Your Life Well

Every day, Americans are affected by the challenges, stresses and demands on their lives. And every day, they seek help in responding to them. The good news is that there are effective tools that are readily available and free for anyone to use to help improve their well-being.

May is Mental Health Month. Mental Health America is encouraging Americans to use these tools which are the foundation for the Live Your Life Well(SM) campaign.

Our Live Your Life Well(SM) website provides 10 research-based tools that can be easily integrated into your everyday life.

1. Connect with Others. Create new connections at work or in the community, and make efforts to strengthen your existing connections with family and friends.
2. Stay Positive. Noticing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life offers a great mood boost.
3. Get Physically Active. Exercise relieves your tense muscles, improves your mood and sleep, and increases your energy and strength.
4. Help Others. Keep it simple for starters; hold a door open for someone or smile and say "Good Morning!"
5. Get Enough Sleep. Make your bed a sleep haven; avoid tasks like paying bills and writing reports.
6. Creat Joy and Satisfaction. Read a humorous book, watch or listen to comedy, and try to laugh at some of the hassles of your life if you can.
7. Eat Well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase your energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases and positively influence your mood.
8. Take Care of Your Spirit. It's not all about religion; try meditating or getting in touch with your deeper self.
9. Deal Better with Hard Times. Getting support, problem-solving or focusing on the positive aspects in your life can help you handle tough times better.
10. Get Professional Help if You Need It. If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference.

Good mental health keeps you productive, energetic, happy and hopeful--even in the face of stress. There are steps that you can take to make a real difference in your ability to handle challenges. The tools found on our Live Your Life Well(SM) website do not require making drastic changes to your life or a significant time commitment. The website provides clear, easy-to-understand information on how to incorporate these changes into your life. All of the contents are free to the public.

Library Books on Sensitive Topics

How do you help your child, or grandchild, through a tough time?

Tough times for kids can be typical, but tough, stuff like getting a new brother or sister, fighting with a brother or sister, or a fear of lightning. Or it can be traumatic like death, divorce, or serious illness.

What do all of these topics have in common? A kids' book.

A friendly librarian at any of the branches of the Licking County Library--the new name of the Newark Public Library--can help you find what you need.

For most topics, you can find a book in which the character matches your child's age, sex and race. Reading a story about another child going through the same thing can be comforting and help a child process difficult emotions. Reading it on the lap of a warm and loving mom, dad, or grandparent, can open up a conversation that can help kids to problem-solve, heal and grow.

Library card out of commission due to fines or lost books? Can't afford to reinstate it right now? Bummer. (Been there.)

The library will still welcome you and your child. Go to the library and read books there. You can still take your child to story hours and other activities.

If you find a special book that hits the mark, maybe you can buy it.

But consider making even small payments--a dollar or two here can make a difference over time.

--Judith Allee
Parent Support Coordinator