Welcome to The Local Optimist Digest, your crib sheet for the latest news in mental health. Whether you want to know how the government is (or is not) investing in our wellbeing, discover the latest research on how the mind impacts the body, or find out which celebrities are helping destigmatize the conversation by opening up about their own mental health struggles, we’ll be covering it all here every week. This week, we're looking at the move towards school mental health days, rethinking what it means to meditate, and learning more about Ashley Tisdale's mental health experiences growing up in the entertainment industry.

A move towards mental health days in schools

With the growing goal to recognize that mental wellness matters as much as physical health, states have begun to rethink the longstanding notion of a “sick day.” Washington, California, Illinois, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Oregon, Connecticut, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Kentucky are the first to offer students mental health days, a day to take an excused absence if they feel anxious, depressed or need to recharge. Yet some worry that providing mental health days is not the right solution to the ongoing and rising mental health crisis, as unstructured days have the potential to alleviate immediate stress but facilitate negative habits in the long run. READ.

Time to rethink what it means to meditate

Many people who try to meditate come to the conclusion that they have failed after not being able to clear their mind, sit still, or concentrate. In reality, it is completely normal to experience these feelings during your first few meditation sessions. Meditation is about awareness, not perfection. Judson Brewer, associate professor at Brown University, shares an important reminder that meditation is about helping you learn how your mind works, even if you find it wandering throughout the process. READ.

Yet another reason to watch your screen time

As a human species, we are known to psychologically construct our identities, in part, through how we’re seen by others. This feeling of connectivity is beneficial in many ways. However, communicating and observing through technology is very different from grabbing coffee with a friend. We are losing space to operate without judgment as social media habits often encourage us to redefine our sense and value of privacy. READ.

6 tips to incorporate meditation into your day

1. Meditate in the morning

2. Use an app

3. Feel your feet

4. Try coherent breathing

5. Notice the five senses

6. Brush your teeth and meditateRead more HERE.

Ashley Tisdale talks mental health

In a recent article for Cosmopolitan, Ashley Tisdale opens up about her mental health, speaking to her experiences with anxiety and panic attacks throughout her career. Ashley shares how the pressure to succeed in the entertainment industry was often overwhelming, elaborating on how she found resources to support her mental health through the ebbs and flows of life.

READ or LISTEN to Episode 23: Ashely Tisdale on Faith, Mental Health, and Childhood Fame on the Madhappy Podcast to learn more.

American Red Cross

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the American Red Cross shelter is working to provide food, water, showers, and more to people whose homes were damaged or destroyed from the storm. To get involved or learn more about their efforts click HERE.

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