Mustang Wellness
Winter 2024 BULLETIN
WELLNESS TIPS FOR THE SEASON
Fight the Winter Blues
Winter blues, another name for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that has a seasonal pattern which can start in fall and last until spring. As the days get shorter and colder, the lack of sunlight can leave you feeling sad, low energy or you may experience changes in sleep and eating habits (usually wanting to sleep and eat more) and the desire to isolate.
SAD is more than just “winter blues." The symptoms can be distressing, overwhelming and can interfere with daily function. SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain caused by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter.
Common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:
- Feeling of sadness or depressed mood.
- Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Changes in appetite - usually eating more, craving carbohydrates.
- Change in sleep - usually sleeping too much.
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours.
- Increase in restless activity (such as hand-wringing or pacing), or slowed movements and speech.
- Feeling worthless or guilty.
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
- Thoughts of death or suicide; attempts at suicide.
These simple actions can help you stay positive:
- Remember that things will not be this way forever.
- Remind yourself of what is good in your life.
- Limit intake of TV time.
- Watch a funny video.
- Look after your neighbors and stay safe.
- Send gifts in the mail.
- Take advantage of newfound time.
- Practice random acts of kindness.
For more information visit: https://www.conehealth.com/services/behavioral-health/7-ways-to-beat-the-winter-blues/
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SCHOOL?
- Healthy Breakfast & Lunch served every day
- Soccer conditioning has begun and try outs are soon! Talk to your teacher regarding try-outs!
- ASB/Student Council is getting involved in Wellness Goals by creating and delivering healthy holiday meal baskets to families in need
- Garden Group is preparing for their annual TreePlenish event
- Fentanyl Awareness Presentations will be offered in January.
- Planning for our second annual Wellness Fair is occurring now. Save the Date APRIL 18th, 2024!
- Mini workshops on overall health/fitness coming soon!
Mustangs Pumpkin Painting
Fentanyl Awareness Presentations
January 18th @ VV3
January 25th @ H2
SPORTS UPDATES
Fall sports seasons ended with great success. Boys' basketball earned second-place and the Lady Mustangs Volleyball team took home the Championship Trophy, remaining undefeated ALL season! Cheer continued to support our teams with their amazing half-time shows!
Tryouts for Winter sports (boys and girls soccer) begin in January. Dominick will be coaching Boy's Soccer and Brent will be Head Coach for Girl's soccer. Students participating in the soccer season can earn 5 PE credits!
Ask your teacher for more info on athletic opportunities. If you are interested, please check in with your teacher for an Athletic Packet and information about the required physical exam.
Soccer Try Outs
HEALTHY RECIPE
Warm&Cozy Minestrone Soup
Soup Ingredients:
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Veggies– carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans
Diced tomatoes– use canned tomatoes and don’t drain!
Vegetable/Chicken broth
Cannellini beans– rinsed and drained
Herbs– dried basil, oregano, and thyme
Elbow macaroni
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add in zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir in vegetable broth, beans, basil, oregano, and thyme. Simmer on low for 20 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. If you need to add more broth, you can. Season soup with salt and pepper. If you want a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
More information: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/easy-minestrone-soup/
Calm Challenge for January 2024
LOCAL RESOURCES & EVENTS
High Desert Farmer's Market
- 18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA 92395
- Every Thursday 8am - 12pm
Meals/Food Pantries
- The Lord’s Table - 15512 6th Street, Victorville, CA 9239
- First Assembly of God - 15260 Nisqually Rd, Victorville, CA 92395
- High Desert Second Chance - 16666 Smoke Tree B-4, Hesperia, CA 92345
- Visit think link to find local food distribution locations: capsbc.org/food-bank
Emergency Housing Resources
- High Desert Homeless Services - 14049 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA 92392 (760) 245-5991 https://www.highdeserthomelessservices.org/
- My Place Youth Shelter - Victorville, CA Phone: 760-482-1731
IEHP COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
Family Assistance Program
- Family Assistance Program empowers all individuals and families, regardless of age or gender, by providing knowledge and skills to live a healthy, safe, fulfilled life.
Dial 211 from any phone for specific information about resources in your neighborhood.