June Mental Health Article

June is a month of transition for many. People spend more time outside, plant gardens, and parents adjust to having children home more as the school year ends. It's also a time for gearing up for summer adventures or moving. As we navigate these transitions, being self-aware and regulated is important.

Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage your behaviors, reactions to feelings, and things happening around you. It takes time to develop and isn't quickly learned. Individuals who can self-regulate have a better state of being. Self-awareness helps you self-regulate because it provides insight into yourself and what enables you to regulate when stress or change comes your way.

A useful analogy is the thermostat vs. thermometer.

You want to be a thermostat. A thermostat can adjust the temperature, turn up the heat, or set it at a cool temperature. You need to specify the temperature you want it to be at and be specific. What temperature do you want to be at? What temperature do you operate best at? What can you do to hold that temperature (self-regulate)?

On the other hand, a thermometer is influenced by the temperature in its surroundings. It has no control, no ability to set the temperature, and is influenced by different factors.

A great summary of this can be found on Y360:
You're a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer
https://ymca360.org/categories/85/videos/30692

Here are a few questions to self-reflect on or journal about to help you with self-awareness:

• What are your strengths?
• What are your areas of growth?
• What do you value?
• What skills or abilities do you receive compliments on the most often?
• What are 3 things in life that bring you the most joy?

Other Resources to help you along the Journey: 
https://theselfawarenessjourney.com/

What do you Value?
https://www.think2perform.com/values/
https://www.truupsychology.com/values

What are your Character Strengths?
https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths