Monday Mental Health Check-In: Week of August 22nd 2021

[Naesthetycs]

Today, Monday, August 23rd, 2021, marks the first of many "Monday Mental Health Check ins." Some of the topics we will discuss in this group can be heavy. That's why it's important to check in with ourselves and recharge when needed. 

I love how Révolutionnaire has made it a priority to recharge in this space, and in this group hub I want to make it a priority to recharge as well. This past weekend Révolutionnaire in collaboration with Everything She is Co. released a downloadable workbook: The Recharged Revolutionary that serves as a self care guide for change makers. I suggest you all check out and download the guide if interested! 

Each Monday there will be one reflection question about how you are currently feeling plus a journal prompt. Feel free to do whatever you feel whether it's solely the reflection, both the reflection and journal prompt, or neither. It's up to you. And I know some of us in the group are creatives ✨ so if you feel led to write a poem or another creative piece based on the reflection and journal prompt, go for it.

Lastly, if you would like to share any of your responses in the comment section, feel free to do so, but you are not obligated. The reflections and journal prompt are first and foremost for you.

Happy reflecting and journaling!

Reflection: 

How are you really feeling right now?

If you're having trouble putting into words how you're feeling, try using one to three words to describe how you're currently feeling and ask yourself why you chose those words.

Journal Prompt: Recharge

How do you recharge?

Are you in need of a recharge right now? If so, what does recharging look like for you?

[Naesthetycs]

I am feeling excited, anxious, and grateful! Today was my first official day of grad school. Because I have an assistantship, I got the keys to my office and a mini tour of my department building. It feels surreal; being on campus today made me feel anxious, but at the same time excited about the upcoming school year. I'm also feeling grateful that I am able to go to grad school for free without having to stress about financial aid or taking out student loans 🙌🏽

I personally recharge with a vacation ✨ I just returned from a 4 day solo vacay in Atlanta, Georgia right before the start of the school year, and it was everything I needed. Because I took the time to recharge I feel less stressed about the incoming first week of grad school and ready to conquer the school year.

[KamilleJ]

First off - this is an epic feature and was such a lovely treat when I logged onto Rév today, so thank you! And!! Big up to you for the start of your new chapter. That is huge!!! I know it can be tough and overwhelming, for sure, but the start of something new is a beautiful thing and you gotta own it! I hope you're taking the time to cheer yourself on say "yes ma'am, I did that" because YOU DID. I am so excited and I'm rooting for you!!

Reflection: 

I am feeling tired, but ready. Tired because I have spent this past summer trying to make up for what feels like a lot of lost time over the past year and a bit. I'm pretty introverted and have been forcing myself to step outside of my comfort zone by socializing more, but honestly it has been a lot! At the same time, I am so grateful for each day and ready to make the most of it, just gotta figure out how to do that in a way that feels more sustainable and balanced. 

Recharge: 

I justttt downloaded the new Recharged Revolutionary guide and am so excited to dive in. That's how I'll be recharging for the next little bit. But typically I recharge with music. Louis Armstrong gets me through my day 

[Stella]

@Naesthetycs  WOW! Your first day of Grad school, that's awesome! Yesterday was my first day of undergrad and I'm already overwhelmed. Do you have any tips for freshman?  

PS. It's amazing that you are going to grad school for free, financial aid has been such a headache for me and my family

I've been recharging with Netflix and journaling. Also, I downloaded that recharge guide that was posted here and started working through it on my tablet - it's so helpful and feels like guided journalling almost! 10/10 recommend

[Naesthetycs]

@KamilleJ Thanks for the words of encouragement! I appreciate it 😊

And thanks for sharing your reflection and recharge. I'm an introvert as well and stepping outside of your comfort zone by socializing more can be energy draining. Just remember to take baby steps and take time to yourself when needed.

The Recharged Revolutionary guide and Louis Armstrong sound like such great ways to recharge! I love jazz music. It's so relaxing.

[Naesthetycs]

@Stella Congrats on your first day of undergrad! 🥳 Freshman year can be overwhelming, but don't worry, you'll get adjusted in no time. Cherish all the time and memories because I promise the next four years will fly! What are you studying? 

Tips for freshman I'd say:

1. Interest groups and clubs of interest are great ways to meet new people and like minded people. If your college has an "org fair" of some type, definitely go and check out the groups.

2. If on campus, get out of your room when you can. Don't stay in your dorm all day, especially if the weather is  nice. Walk around campus for a breath of fresh air. You never know who you'll meet or see while out. 

3. Academics first, party second. College is way too expensive to let your academic performance slip because of too much partying or not enough focus. Prioritize your studies first and find a balance, so that you can have fun and get good grades at the same time.

4. Do your assignments earlier instead of later. College students are known for all nighters and putting assignments off to the last minute. I'd recommend having a calendar or planner, digital or paper version works, to keep yourself organized when assignments and readings are due and when there are campus events you want to go to. If you know an assignment is going to take more time, start earlier than later.

5. Don't fall to peer pressure. It's always nice to try new things, but if you don't want to do or try something, don't do it even if others are pressuring you. 

6.Establish good rapport and relationships with your professors early on. If you have questions about assignments or class material, take advantage of office hours. When professors know your face and name and see that you want to get a good grade in their class, it's always to your advantage! Plus, you'll never know when you'll need a letter of recommendation in the future.

7. 8ams are the worst. I wouldn't recommend them.

That's all the tips I have for now. If you ever need any advice for school or questions about anything else, feel free to send me a private message 😊

Financial aid is such a headache, and I experienced the same thing in undergrad, so I understand how you feel. That's why I am filled with so much gratitude now going to grad school for free because I know the feeling of college being a financial burden. However, I'm happy you're enjoying the the Recharged Revolutionary guide! Journaling is one of my favorite recharge activities. It's so refreshing and I love it.