Happy & Healthy U: The Monthly Message

 2020 in the Rear View Mirror Moving Ahead Into 2021 As we bid farewell to year 2020, we recall the hope and possibilities we anticipated upon its dawn on January 1, 2020.  Unfortunately, that optimism was quickly dashed during the first quarter of 2020.   How do we process the COVID-19 pandemic, the racial reckoning and the economic crises that have rocked us to the core?  Let us take time to reflect and prepare ourselves as we eagerly usher in the New Year, 2021.  This reflection will be processed and presented through my "Triple A" format: Acknowledge, Assess and Address , as follows:  As we anxiously bid farewell to 2020 and eagerly welcome 2021, let us: Acknowledge: (Recognize the reality) The Negatives : That the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all of our lives That there is still significant systemic racism, racially motivated violence and racial discrimination, especially toward Black persons That the loss of jobs and income due to the pandemic is sending many into povert

Coping with Covid-19 Fatigue During the Holidays By Diane Kern, Ph.D. Creator of Happy and Healthy U™   As we approach the holidays, the continued disruption to our lives and restrictions of living in a pandemic for over 7 months are taking a toll on us.   It makes sense that we are tired of not knowing when this will end and feeling the fatigue resulting from living with the prolonged pandemic related stress.     With the encroaching winter season, a surge in coronavirus cases and having to retreat to indoors, the uncertainty is leading many to experience increased emotional distress in the form of increased depression and anxiety.   We can reduce the fatigue and emotional distress of this situation by embracing the upcoming holidays, instead of dreading them.   While celebrating the holidays will be very different for most of us, it provides an opportunity to break the monotony of the being on lock down.   Adjust your expectations and participation in holiday activities

Happiness is a Journey, Not a Destination As You Travel Along the Way, Take Time To:   Notice That You are in Motion, the Process of Your Progress Focus on Your Strengths, Not Your Deficits Value Your Spirituality and the Meaningful Things Engage with the Activities That Bring You Joy Nurture Your Positive Relationships Appreciate the Good in Life, Big and Small Celebrate Your Achievements and Successes Be Grateful for and Recognize the Good that Happens Show Compassion to Yourself and to Others Pay Attention to Your Feelings and Seek to Feel Good Forgive Yourself for Past Mistakes and Learn the Lessons Be Present to the Present; Not Dwelling on the Past or Future Love Yourself and Others in Healthy Ways      

You Can Recover From Pandemic Related Employment Loss ACKNOWLEDGE: Losing employment due to the pandemic is not your fault and not a negative reflection about you or your skills ASSESS: What are your emotional reactions to this pandemic related loss? To degree are any negative emotions interfering with your ability to move ahead with finding new employment? What kind of work do you want and are willing to do, in light of your interests, skills, and experience level, taking into account what the current job market has to offer? ADDRESS: Your total self, in terms of your career related interests and needs in order to get your right fit employment.  This entails you considering the Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social dimensions of yourself.  In other words, your "S.P.I.E.S." can guide and enable you to accomplish this. Use this time and opportunity to improve your employability learn new skills development obtain work related certif