October Silver Talon Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk…(Mike Gillotti)

Finishing Strong, Starting Fresh

October is always an exciting month here at Southwest. Between preparing for final exams and the start of district and state level competitions for our activities, there’s a lot going on in the land of the Silver Hawks! Soon, we will experience another change as we end the 50% capacity plan, and have all in-person learners return to school five days a week to begin term two. This means that on October 19th, we will no longer operate with the Group A and Group B rotation for in-person learning.

Before we get off to a fresh start for term two, it will be important to finish term one strong. Please make sure that you are familiar with our schedule of classes for the week of October 12th listed below:

  • Monday, October 12th
    • Regular school day, blocks 1-4
    • Group A and C attend classes in-person
    • Groups B and Z will be remote learning via Zoom
  • Tuesday, October 13th: This is now a Group B in-person day, Group A will Zoom Regular school day, blocks 1-4
    • Group B and C attend classes in-person
    • Groups A and Z will be remote learning via Zoom
  • Wednesday, October 14: LSW Finals Schedule
    • Groups A & C attend in-person
    • Groups B & Z remote learning via Zoom
    • Bell Schedule
      • 7:50 -8:55am Final Exam Prep. (optional)
      • 9:00-10:30am Block 1
      • 10:45-12:15pm Block 2
  • Thursday, October 15: LSW Finals Schedule
    • Groups B & C attend in-person
    • Group A & Z remote learning via Zoom
    • Bell Schedule
      • 7:50 -8:55 Final Exam Prep. (optional)
      • 9:00-10:30 Block 3
      • 10:45-12:15 Block 4

Teachers with zero hour classes have been asked to communicate the time and location of their final exam to students to make sure they know whether or not they are to report on these days. All teachers will communicate the expectations for how and when final exams and projects will be completed during the last week of the term ahead of time, so that students can plan and prepare accordingly.

Our students and staff have always worked very hard to rise to the challenges before us, and there is a lot to be proud of as we look back on how far we have come to make the most of our time together so far.

Thanks for all you do for our Silver Hawks.

Sincerely,
Mike Gillotti – Principal

Upcoming Events

All dates and events are subject to change due to current health directives

October

  • 14: Finals 
  • 15: Finals 
  • 16: Fall Break- No School  
  • 17: PSAT 
  • 19: Term 2 Begins 
  • 26: Freshman Parent Meeting, 6:30 pm, Auditorium 
  • 26: Gifted Meeting, following Freshman Parent Meeting, Auditorium 
  • 29: Picture Retake Day, 7:15-2:00, Auditorium Entrance

November

  • 02: Teacher Workday, No School 
  • 03: Election Day, No School 
  • 05: Host State Volleyball; Early Dismissal 
  • 25: Thanksgiving Break, No School 
  • 26: Thanksgiving Break, No School 
  • 27: Thanksgiving Break, No School

Finals Week Schedule

  • Monday, October 12th
    • Regular school day, blocks 1-4
    • Group A and C attend classes in-person
    • Groups B and Z will be remote learning via Zoom
  • Tuesday, October 13th: This is now a Group B in-person day, Group A will Zoom Regular school day, blocks 1-4
    • Group B and C attend classes in-person
    • Groups A and Z will be remote learning via Zoom
  • Wednesday, October 14: LSW Finals Schedule
    • Groups A & C attend in-person
    • Groups B & Z remote learning via Zoom
    • Bell Schedule
      • 7:50 -8:55am Final Exam Prep. (optional)
      • 9:00-10:30am Block 1
      • 10:45-12:15pm Block 2
  • Thursday, October 15: LSW Finals Schedule
    • Groups B & C attend in-person
    • Group A & Z remote learning via Zoom
    • Bell Schedule
      • 7:50 -8:55 Final Exam Prep. (optional)
      • 9:00-10:30 Block 3
      • 10:45-12:15 Block 4

Parent Information

Student Pick-Up/Drop Off

Parents are encouraged to drop students off prior to 8 a.m. and pick up after 3:15 p.m. Peak traffic times are  from 8-8:15 a.m. and 3:05-3:15 p.m. However, we ask that students not be dropped off prior to 7 a.m. or picked  up after 3:45 p.m. as we do not have supervision for students during these times. Security is generally in the  parking lot before and after school directing traffic. We thank you for not parking in the fire zones, as designated by the red painted curbs.

Lunch Do’s and Don’ts

DO –Check your student’s lunch account balance by checking with your student or through MySchoolBucks. Students can check their account balance when they are checking out in the lunch line by  asking the cashier. Money can be deposited in student’s account by sending a check or cash with your  student. Students can deposit money any time the cafeteria is open. Parents may also deposit money online through MySchoolBucks. 

Don’t — Don’t have food delivered to school by an outside business/restaurant…sandwiches, pizza, etc. Delivery people get upset when they have to wait, don’t have a tip, or we don’t know who the food is for. Parents/family member may purchase food and physically bring it in for their student, but online ordering of food is discouraged.

Student Meals

Free Breakfast and Lunch for all LPS Students: Due to the pandemic, the USDA is federally funding breakfast and lunch for all students while the federal funding lasts. All LPS students in preschool – 12 grade and Independence Academy students will be offered breakfast and lunch at no charge.

To receive the school meal at no charge:

  • The student must select a serving of fruit or vegetable plus at least two other components of the meal (meat, grain, milk, fruit, vegetable).
  • Failing to take a fruit or vegetable plus two other food components will lead to the student being charged a la carte pricing.
  • A student selecting pizza and milk would need to pay for these food items since there is no fruit or vegetable.
  • A student may select all five components of the meal.
  • A la carte food items including milk and second entrees will still be available to purchase with money in the meal account or cash.

LPS will communicate when the program is coming to an end for families to plan around breakfast and lunch purchases.

Just a reminder, families must continue to fill out applications for free or reduced priced meals for the 2020- 2021 school year. You can access a meal application at https://home.lps.org/ns/free-reduced/.

Food Distribution for 100% Remote Learners: LPS is offering all PreK-12 grade 100% Remote Learners meals for the week to be picked up on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at three locations- Lincoln High, North Star, and Southeast. Find more information about food distribution here.

Academic Recognition Information

Review this information for guidelines on Honor Roll, Academic Letter, Academic Pin, 4.0 and Senior Academic information. Visit our Academic Honors Page for more information.

Student Picture Information

Ordering: The Picture Day ID Code that you received when your student had their picture taken at School Readiness Days is no longer valid. To order your student’s picture you will need their unique Portrait ID. This can be found on your student’s proofs, which they should already have, or can be obtained by calling LifeTouch at 800-736-4753. If your student is a remote learner, their proofs or pictures can be picked up in the main office from 7:00-4:00, or you can call 402-436-1306 for their Portrait ID.

Remote Learners who have not gotten their ID picture taken: Please visit Lori Spivey in the Security Office to get this taken care of ASAP. If this is not done, your student’s picture on Synergy will be old or blank. You also still want to take part in picture retake day (see below) for your student’s yearbook picture.

NEW Picture Retake Day: Any student needing their picture re-taken or taken for the first time will need to have it done on Thursday, October 29. If your student did not have their picture taken at School Readiness Day or the first day of school, they need to have it taken on this day. Students wanting re-takes will need to bring back their picture packets fully intact if pictures were purchased. Note this picture will be used for the yearbook. This is the only re-take day we will have all year, so please plan accordingly.

Parent Teacher Conferences

The next date for parent teacher conferences is November 10, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Senior Information

Announcements/Caps & Gowns

Lincolngraduation.com is now up and running with an updated website. All orders are now being encouraged to be done online. New this year: Your order will ship directly to you, instead of being handed out at the end of the school year.

If your student qualifies for Free and Reduced Meals, please have them visit with Abbey Traynowicz in the main office to submit their cap and gown order. You will also need to submit a Fee Waiver for your student’s graduation cap and gown. Fee Waiver form here. These items will be delivered to the school this spring.

Senior Picture Deadline Date

Yearbook senior photos are due October 31st. For more information on specifications and requirements, check out the LPS senior photo link. 

Senior ads for the yearbook are currently 30% off! The yearbook is running a senior sale through December 1. Information can be found on the senior ad link. Space is limited so reserve yours today to ensure your senior has a message in the yearbook.

Senior Academic Reminders

  1. It is YOUR responsibility, if you are transferring from outside LPS, to provide documentation regarding Honor Roll from another school in order to be eligible for LSW 7 Semester Honor Roll. Do NOT wait until the last minute to address this issue.
  2. If you are graduating early as a JUNIOR, please let Brianne Wright (main office) know if you would rather be honored at the LSW Honors Convocation with the junior class, or if you would rather be honored at the Senior Honors Program.
  3. Any academic achievement awarded at the senior honors convocation and/or at graduation are based on a student’s GPA through their seventh semester. Academic achievements are subject to change after the final semester grades are included in the overall GPA. It is important to remember that taking a lighter course load in your final semester could affect your GPA and academic standing.

Government and Politics

GOPO service-learning hours for all students who will take the course during the 20-21 school year are waived.

Student Grade Withdrawal Information

If a student withdraws from a class late in the term, below is the grading table that we follow:

Term/DatesTimeframe of Withdrawal from ClassGrade Students Will Receive
Term 1-Aug. 12-Oct. 14Sept. 2-16W
Sept. 17-Oct. 14F
Term 2-Oct. 19-Dec. 22Nov. 9-20W
Nov. 23-Dec. 22F
Term 3-Jan. 5-March 5Jan. 26-Feb. 9W
Feb. 10-Mar. 5F
Term 4-March 15-May 20April 5-April 19W
April 20-May 20F

SOAR Rewards

Would you like to be a part of promoting a positive culture at LSW? If so, please consider donating to our SOAR Rewards student acknowledgement system. Our goal is to help incentivize and recognize students who are “caught SOAR’ing” by demonstrating that they are being Safe, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful. Students who are recognized by staff for modeling SOAR expectations are eligible to receive prizes such as (Gift cards to restaurants, movie passes, Husker/LSW apparel, etc)

If you would like to be a part of this please contact Laura Runge (lrunge@lps.org) or Brett Schuster (bschust@lps.org) to ask about which items students enjoy the most and how to donate. Donations can be dropped off in the main office here at school. Thanks for helping our Silver Hawks SOAR!

Testing

PSAT

The annual administration of the PSAT/NMSQT will be held at LSW on Saturday, October 17, 2020. All students, freshmen through juniors, may take the test but only juniors are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The following is a brief listing of some of the information and news about the upcoming PSAT:

  • Cost is $30
  • National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (for juniors)
  • If your family meets income guidelines your student may be eligible for a fee waiver, see your guidance counselor
  • Registration is September 28-October 9 in the counseling center.
  • Student will receive a prep book when they register
  • Not a mandatory test-optional but suggested for college-bound students
  • Students need to see their school counselor if they have a conflict (religious or school related) with the Saturday morning test date.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPCOMING PSAT, PLEASE CONTACT THE LSW COUNSELING CENTER, 436-1306 OR ONLINE AT www.collegeboard.com!

Counseling Center

Check out the Counseling Center Website to stay up to date on information that is important for your student’s high school career and future plans. http://wp.lps.org/lswcounseling/

Student Last NameCounselorEmail
A-CLMs. Sharpebsharpe@lps.org
CM-GEMrs. Almondkalmond@lps.org
GF-KRMrs. Tomesafoxhov@lps.org
KS-OLMrs. Augustinelaugusti@lps.org
OM-SLMr. Petersonapeter11@lps.org
SM-ZMr. Ernst (Team Leader)ternst2@lps.org

Library News

The LSW Media Center is still missing many books from last March. Letters and email notifications have been going out to remind students to please return their library books.

Please check your student’s Destiny Discover account by logging in HERE.
Or you can use this address.

Once there, log in in the upper right corner using your student’s LPS credentials and then click on the hamburger menu in the upper left corner. That will show your student’s current checkouts, fines, etc. Full time Zoom students can return books to the security personal at the front entry.

In addition, LSW students who have library books from other schools in the district may return those LSW and we will get them to the correct school.

Reach out to the school librarian, Mrs. Schnell, with any questions. mschnel@lps.org

Yearbooks

2020-2021 Yearbook

Yearbooks for the year 20-21 may be purchased through MySchoolBucks.

Yearbook Prices by Term

  • Term 1: $60
  • Term 2: $65
  • Term 3: $70
  • Term 4: $75

2019-2020 Yearbook

If you ordered a 2019-2020 yearbook last year and have not picked it up yet, please stop by room C110 or the bookkeeper to pick up your book. If you would still like to purchase a book, they are available through the bookkeeper for $75.

Driver’s Education Courses

Driver’s Education is NOT offered through Lincoln Public Schools. However, there are several organizations here in Lincoln that do offer courses at various times during the fall. They are:

LSW Boosters

Silver Hawk Authentic Booster Store- Now Online!

Please visit lswsilverhawks.com for additional details and to place your order! 

  

Silver Hawk Authentic Booster Store is part of the Lincoln Southwest Booster Club. All store personnel are volunteers and all profits go to the Lincoln Southwest Booster Club for support of LSW school programs, student activities, athletics, and performing arts. New volunteers are always welcome; please inquire at the store! Thank you for supporting your school! 

LSW Booster Membership

Please visit our website for more information on joining LSW Booster Club. 

Membership forms are also available in the main office.  

You can either pay online or print and mail the membership form to:  

Silver Hawks Booster Club
Attn: Memberships 
7001 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512 

Academic Recognition Information

Due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will not be holding a fall Honors Convocation for the 2020-2021 school year. In the spring, LSW honors 9th, 10th, & 11th graders. Graduates, including 12th grade early grads and 11th grade early grads, are honored at a Senior Honors Award Ceremony in May.

Honor Roll

Students must have earned a weighted G.P.A. of a 3.5 or above for two consecutive terms (two terms=1 semester). Students must have at least 30 hours of GRADED (receiving a letter grade, not S) course work per semester. Students who receive an INC, U, or F in any class that semester are not eligible.

Academic Letter

Students need 2 consecutive semesters (4 terms) of a 4.0, or better, weighted G.P.A. The G.P.A. is based on grades from those individual semesters, not a student’s cumulative G.P.A. Students must have at least 30 hours of GRADED (receiving a letter grade, not S) course work per semester. Students who receive an INC, U, or F in any class that semester are not eligible.

Academic Pin

Same requirements as the academic letter for another FULL school year. This does not have to be in two consecutive years. For example,…may earn letter for work during your freshman year and pin for work during junior year.

4.0

Students must have earned a weighted G.P.A. of a 4.0 or above for two consecutive terms (two terms=1 semester). The G.P.A. is based on grades from the individual semester, not a student’s cumulative G.P.A. Students must have at least 30 hours of GRADED (receiving a letter grade, not S) course work per semester. Students who receive an INC, U, or F in any class that semester are not eligible.

Graduation Honors

Effective for the class of 2021, the Laude Latin model will be used to recognize academic excellence at the conclusion of a student’s high school career. Students will work to compete against the criterion for academic honors – rather than other students. A student’s final cumulative GPA will be used to determine the level of honor on a student’s high school transcript, diploma, and for academic recognition at commencement exercises.

The following three levels of academic honors will be used:

  1. SUMMA CUM LAUDE “with highest distinction”: Students with cumulative GPA of 4.250 and above on a 4.00 weighted scale.
  2. MAGNA CUME LAUDE “with great distinction”: Students with cumulative GPA of 4.000 to 4.249 on a 4.00 weighted scale.
  3. CUM LAUDE “with distinction”: Students with cumulative GPA of 3.750 to 3.999 on a 4.000 weighted scale.

Important Graduate Reminders

It is YOUR responsibility, if you are transferring from outside LPS, to provide documentation regarding Honor Roll from another school in order to be eligible for LSW 7 Semester Honor Roll. Do NOT wait until the last minute to address this issue.

If you are graduating early as a JUNIOR, please let Bre Wright (main office) know if you would rather be honored at the LSW Honors Convocation with the junior class, or if you would rather be honored at the Senior Honors Program.

Any academic achievement awarded at the senior honors convocation and/or at graduation are based on a student’s GPA through their seventh semester. Academic achievements are subject to change after the final semester grades are included in the overall GPA. It is important to remember that taking a lighter course load in your final semester could affect your GPA and academic standing.

SCIP Nebraska October Newsletter

SCIP is funded in part by: Lincoln Public Schools, United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County, Region V  Systems, Nebraska DHHS: Division of Behavioral Health and Region 4 Behavioral Health System.

Civility & Civil Discourse

With so much happening these days, it seems like we rarely see or read respectful  discussions on varying views on most any political topic or social issue. Instead, we see, tweet, read and hear speech that all too often includes name calling, putdowns, threats, and/or false or unproven accusations by adults. 

Yet, we are befuddled, even outraged when kids bully or are rude and disrespectful to adults and one another inside and outside of school. The reality is when we model such behavior, it should come as no surprise to us when we see kids mirror back rude and disrespectful behaviors and attitudes towards others they disagree with or do not like. 

And with so much social unrest looming over us these days, now seems like an optimal time for us to get back to the basics by modeling and teaching civility and civil discourse in a very intentional manner. 

But first, what is Civility? Quite simply, it is polite and respectful behavior directed at others in a manner that allows us to exist and live peacefully with one another, in the midst of differing beliefs and views. The core elements of civility include mindfulness, empathy and respect. 

So, what is Civil Discourse? Civil Discourse is respectful conversation intended to increase understanding, especially between two or more differing views on a particular topic or social issue. 

Here are some ideas and ground rules for teaching and engaging in civil discourse in the classroom. Remember the teacher’s role is to model and facilitate discussion that ensures that students remain respectful to one another as they discuss and express themselves. 

  1. Lead by example. 
  2. No personal attacks of any kind should be tolerated. 
    • Often times, when a person feels attacked, they shut down and are no longer open to the process. 
    • Discussions should be structured, whether it is a formal debate or where students enable their own learning through group discussion. No matter the format, establish and communicate clear rules. This will make it easier for you as a facilitator to enforce the rules of engagement and respect. 
    • Teach students to think about the impact of their words and behaviors on others.
    • Students in the class, decide what respectful conversation looks and feels like. Volume and tone are often just as important as word choice.  
  3. Begin with less intense topics to discuss. 
    • Before you jump into a more controversial topic, discuss and debate less heated topics such as school dress codes or cellphone rules in school.
    • Remember lived experiences often shape beliefs and so developing empathy goes a long way when trying to gain understanding into another person’s view. 
    • Remind students to seek understanding of another student’s view that differs from their view. 
    • Be mindful that almost any social issue or political topic could stir up strong emotions. 
    • Allow students to challenge each other’s views without attacking each other. 
  4. Keep discussions structured. 
    • Effective discussions are organized and planned, which help make it easier for the teacher facilitate and enforce the rules set up by everyone. 
    • Praise students for their civil behavior, regardless of their viewpoints. 

Furthermore, modeling and teaching civility and civil discourse can go a long way in improving school climate. School climate is best described as the school conditions that influence a student’s learning. The better the school climate, the better the learning environment. 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-youth/201206/teaching-civility-in-f-word-society

www.schoolclimate.org 

Youth Substance Use: Prevention and Intervention

The pandemic has brought with it a plethora of concerns outside of the virus itself including a rise in both mental health and substance use concerns as a result of increased stress, change and uncertainty. During challenging times, individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with their emotions. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that substance use has increased among all age groups during the pandemic. For parents, it is important to pay attention to your own response to the stress of the pandemic. For example, if a teen sees their parent using alcohol or drugs to ease their anxiety, they might think it’s okay for them to do the same. Despite individual resiliency, we must not assume that everyone will bounce back once life begins to regain some normalcy. As our communities continue to move forward, it is important to check in with loved ones and friends to ask how they are doing. A meaningful message for kids and adults alike to hear is, “it is okay to not be okay” and just as importantly, “it is okay to ask for help”. It is especially important for parents/caregivers to talk with their teens about how they are feeling during this time, given the increased risk for substance use and be attentive to possible signs of substance use. 

One of the more challenging parts of being a parent of a teenager is deciphering what is normal adolescent behavior and what behavior may raise a red flag as to a concern. Experts agree that a substance use problem is more likely if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if they occur suddenly or if some of them are extreme in nature. Potential warning signs of a possible substance use issue in adolescents may include: 

  • Mood Changes- flare-ups of temper, irritability, or defensiveness
  • School Problems- poor attendance, low grades, recent disciplinary action 
  • Rebellion against family rules 
  • Isolation or withdrawing from family 
  • Friend changes- switching friends and a reluctance to let you get to know the new friends
  • A “nothing matters” attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests and general low energy 
  • A presence of alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia- finding it in your child’s room or backpack, smelling of alcohol or other substances such as marijuana 
  • Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech 

It should be noted that many of these signs may also be symptoms of mental health issues such as depression. If there is reason so suspect use, err on the side of caution and have a conversation or seek guidance from a physician, a behavioral health care professional or your school’s SCIP (School Community Intervention & Prevention) Coordinator. 

The good news is parents have a significant influence in their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs. Engaging in opportunities to have meaningful conversations with youth about the risks of drug and alcohol use is a powerful prevention strategy. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “developing good communication skills helps parents catch problems early, support positive behaviors, and stay aware of what is happening in their children’s lives”. Experts offer the following tips for developing open and trusting parent-child communication: 

  • Ask open-ended questions- the kind of information you receive depends a lot on how you ask the question. Encourage your child to tell you how he or she thinks and feels about the issue you are discussing. Avoid questions that have “yes” or no” responses. 
  • Actively listen- before engaging in conversations, make sure you have the time and focus to listen and respond to your child. Be both physically and mentally present. 
  • Show interest and concern- avoid blaming/accusing. 
  • Validate feelings- keep in mind that validating another person’s feelings does not mean that you have to approve or agree with their perspective. 
  • Offer empathy and support for your child’s experiences. 
  • Give encouragement. 

Now, more than ever, kids need to be able to open up about their feelings and emotions and find ways to cope with stress and change in healthy ways to avoid at risk behaviors such as substance use. 

The following resources offer additional information on youth substance use and parent-child communication. 

References: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention (CDC); Journal of Adolescent Health; National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Partnership to End Addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Staying Mentally Fit

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 31.1% of American adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. Of this number, 73% will experience a psychological complication such as anxiety and depression, with 77% of these individuals experiencing some type of physical complication due to stress. These could include issues such as high blood pressure, stomach issues, headaches, and skin conditions. So, what can you do to stay mentally fit? Let’s take a look at some steps you can take. 

There are things you can do for your physical health that will, in turn, help you stay mentally fit. One thing you can do is to exercise for 30 minutes every day. This delivers oxygen to your brain, helping you improve your memory, reasoning abilities and reaction times. Another is to actively manage your health. Going to the doctor for regular check-ups or when you are sick helps you take care of your physical health by addressing issues early on. 

Believe it or not, what you eat can also help with your mental well-being. Eating foods like vegetables, fruits, protein, nuts, and other foods that have a high nutritional content will help reduce your chances of feeling depressed and stressed, which will, in turn, improve your mood. You can also boost your Vitamin B intake by eating whole grain cereals, green vegetables, and dairy as Vitamin B is vital to brain health. 

It is also important to make sleep a priority. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “Researchers have found that people need at least eight hours of sleep. When you do not get enough sleep, you are at risk of numerous adverse effects – many of which have to do with your mental health. Not getting enough sleep is linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety symptoms, and even depression.” 

So, what are some things you can do to more directly impact your mental fitness? One option is to read a book or article on a regular basis. Maintaining an interest in the world around you helps keep your mind stimulated, which could then lead to in interesting conversations with friends, families, and even strangers. According to Better Health, “This gives your brain an opportunity to explore, examine and inquire.” 

You can also challenge your brain power and memory. Learning a new language, filling out crossword puzzles, playing chess or taking up a new hobby gives your brain a workout which helps build neural pathways. Even watching game shows or playing question and answer games

exercises your brain. These tactics can not only improve your brain health but also your social life. 

Lastly, it is important to develop stress relief techniques, which can vary from one person to another. Journaling, drawing, writing music or poems, writing stories, or engaging in other creative activities can prove relaxing to some people. Others prefer working out or reading. And still others simply need to spend time with friends and family. 

The brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised, just like the other muscles in our body. By exercising your brain, you can create a healthier outlook on life. Not only can it improve your mental health, it can also improve your physical health. Try to incorporate a few of these tips into your daily life – your brain will thank you.

References

Here are some other resources on staying Mentally Fit: