Project P.E.A.C.E. Mindful Monday #7: Face to Face Communication

Good morning, and happy Monday Mahwah! We’re back with another Mindful Monday and this week, we are talking about face to face communication. While technology can help us out with our homework and other responsibilities, it isn't always the best way to communicate with other people. Talking face-to-face with another person will have a more positive effect on your mindset than simply texting them. Try to pick a day where you take communications such as your phone or Facebook out of your life and instead replace it with simply speaking in person and see the effects for yourself! Why not make that day today? Try it, Mahwah!

Here are some links regarding this principle: 

http://iancoon.blogspot.com/2013/04/technology-help-or-hindrance-to.html

http://www.ashtoncollege.com/theimportance-face-face-communication/

http://www.starmedical.co.uk/thelounge/comment/what-are-the-advantages-of-face-to-face-communication/

Enjoy the rest of the week and remember: sometimes we just have to enjoy the simple things in life!

Another reminder that Yoga will be this THURSDAY, 2/26/15, in the Cardio Room at 2:30. Hope to see you there.

Project P.E.A.C.E. Mindful Monday #6: Meditation & Breathing

Good afternoon and happy Monday! Hope everyone is enjoying his or her President’s Day break and catching up on some sleep! Anyway, this segment of Mindful Monday is in regards to meditation and breathing. Did you know that meditation can improve your left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain most responsible for feeling happy? Focusing your breath and mind for just a few minutes a day can permanently, raise your brain’s level of happiness, and well as lower stress and improve your immune system! So today take some time out of your day and meditate by focusing your breath and relaxing. You won’t regret it!

Here are some links regarding this topic:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/08/mindfulness-meditation-benefits-health_n_3016045.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-c1-meditation-20150216-story.html#page=1

Enjoy the shortened week!

REMINDER: Yoga and art therapy classes will be in session this THURSDAY, 2/19/15 from 2:30 - 3:00. Hope to see you there!

Throwback Tuesday: An Update on Yoga Events as well as Letters to 8th Graders

Hello everyone, and happy Tuesday! Today, we will be turning back the clock and updating you all on our project. This Thursday  will mark the third yoga class of the year. The first two have been quite successful thus far; students that participate really enjoy the class and have given us very strong feedback! Here are some photos that capture some of the techniques done during the class:

In addition to the yoga events, we had our Yoga Flash on the 4th of February. On behalf of the whole team as well as Ms. Van Ess , we would like to thank everyone who participated. The turnout was fabulous! We hope to see all who participated in the cardio room on Thursday!

In other news, out letters to 8th graders solution has been completed! Earlier in January, we infiltrated Freshman Advisory (with the permission of Mr. Fuchs and Ms. Cording of course) and each freshman wrote a letter to the incoming class of 2019 regarding his or her experiences at the high school.

One student decided to write a sonnet!

Once all the letters were written, it was time for us to get to work. We placed an 8th grade letter as well as our very own letter in 250 envelopes and got them ready for Mr. Gliatta so that he could distribute them to every single 8th grader.

Moreover, we sent Mr. Gliatta out introductory video so that he can show it to the 8th graders while he was down at the Ridge. The video can be accessed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdBsqWgSFqE

Mr. Gliatta met with the 8th graders on the 5th of February and it was a huge success!

Well, that does it for us, enjoy the rest of your day!

Project P.E.A.C.E. Mindful Monday #5: The Ripple Effect

Good morning, students and faculty, and happy Monday! On this segment of Mindful Monday, we are talking about the ripple effect. Did you know that human behavior is contagious? Research has proven that much of our habits, attitudes, and actions spread through a complicated web of connections to infect those around us- sort of like a ripple effect. For instance, if a boss comes into a meeting filled with anger, within minutes the aura of the meeting will be negative. Fortunately, the ripple effect may also spread positive energy. With something as simple as a smile or good posture, you will be releasing chemicals that make you happy, which in turn will stimulate happiness to others around you. So, Mahwah, take a moment now to think of something positive in your life and let out a smile!

Here are some links regarding the ripple effect:

http://asq.sagepub.com/content/47/4/644.abstract

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201102/the-rippling-effect

Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your week!