Family and Consumer Sciences

Live Smart Ohio

Ohio State University Extension

Finding Your “Flow”

Have you ever found yourself so absorbed in a task that you completely lost track of time? Maybe you were reading a good book, playing an instrument, working on a puzzle or craft, playing a board game, gardening, cooking, or tackling a home improvement project. If so, you may have found your “flow”. Psychologist Mihaly […]

WRITTEN BY: Jenny Lobb, MPH, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension

REVIEWED BY: Amanda Woods, M.Ed, Healthy Finances Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension

SOURCES:

  • Buettner, D. (2011). Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way. National Geographic. https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Finding-Happiness-Blue-Zones/dp/1426208189.
  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2016). Finding Flow. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199707/finding-flow.

This is What IT Looks Like

I have been struggling for a few months with the negativity that sometimes surrounds the problem of mental illness and opiate addiction. I have been struggling, because we are IT. We are part of the opioid epidemic. We are part of those who suffer from a diagnosed brain disorder, or mental health problem. We are […]

WRITTEN BY: Jami Dellifield, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County

REVIEWED BY: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Perry County

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Jami Dellifield

SOURCES:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) http://archive.samhsa.gov/dtac/dbhis/dbhis_stress_about_resilience.asp
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html

REFERENCES:

  • National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.shtml
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions
  • American Academy of Family Physicians, https://familydoctor.org/condition/opioid-addiction/
  • Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/definitions-developmental-competencies

Be On The Lookout

Anyone can experience a mental health problem. Unfamiliar of what mental health means? “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices (http://www.mentalhealth.gov).” Are you aware if you or someone you know is […]

WRITTEN BY: Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Science Educator Washington County

REVIEWED BY: Jami Dellifield, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator, Ohio State University

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health/index.html#early
  • https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/friends-family-members/index.html

Never Underestimate the Power of a Poem

Scribbling patches of waxy color on a coloring book is an iconic childhood pastime, but coloring books designed for adults are popping up in stores everywhere. Their popularity may seem strange to some, but many find coloring a relaxing and calming activity that can transport a person back to a simple, sweet time in life […]

WRITTEN BY: Kathy Michelich, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Warren County, Ohio State University Extension

REVIEWED BY: Amanda Woods, M.Ed. Healthy Finances Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

Sometimes Life Is Hard

Local news outlets are reporting an increase in suicide completions by young people.  Two contributing factors for this alarming increase are that more children (as early as eight years old), teens, and young adults are suffering from anxiety and depression.  Other youth and young adults are engaging in self-harming behaviors such as cutting, plucking, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity and/or binge drinking. When we […]

WRITTEN BY: Jami Dellifield, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Hardin County

REVIEWED BY: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, green.308@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • http://creatingcommunitysolutions.org/texttalkact
  • https://pixabay.com/en/mental-health-mental-health-cloud-1389919/

SOURCES:

  • http://www.samhsa.gov/
  • www.mentalhealth.gov
  • www.youth.gov
  • https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/
  • http://creatingcommunitysolutions.org/texttalkact
  • http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers

Taking Time for Me Is a Must

Life is a roller coaster.  I have been through times in life when I have needed help or care and seasons when I cared for loved ones who experience physical or mental health crises.  Within the past year, I have lost a parent and an uncle who both needed extensive medical care and support.  Several […]

WRITTEN BY: Cheryl Barber Spires, RD, LD, Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension, spires.53@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Kristen Corry, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • www.pixabay.com

SOURCES:

  • http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/taking-good-care-yourself
  • https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/integrative-complementary-medicine/mindfulness-practices
  • http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5242

REFERENCES:

  • http://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/caring-for-the-caregiver.pdf
  • http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/care-for-yourself/

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