A lot has happened at the tail end of last year and the beginning of this year. Here is a brief summary!
Christmas shenanigans!
5C staff members led by some of the 5C education staff members had a little fun with Mrs. Wigginton and did Elf on the Shelf with her. Here are a few highlights of what Elfie did:
Another Christmas-centered activity that we do every year (not really shenanigans, but a wonderful thing still) is gather donations for the Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center, and this year we added our local CFS department. These donations will be given to children in need who are going through tough times.
Facility updates
New paint has been going up in the West dayroom resident rooms in order to freshen things up. A big thank you to Ms. Rodenbough for her hard work.
We also were fortunate to have a new boiler installed in the facility as the old one was starting to fail. We went a couple of weeks with limited hot water, but it was worth it in the end!
Our intake bathroom also received an update in order to make it more safe for the residents who come into our facility.
Summer activities
This summer our residents were able to take part in a few activities. The first was a trip to Mesa Falls with stops at a warm river to feed the fish and also a stop to roast smores and hot dogs.
The second was a week-long activity learning about those who traveled the Oregon Trail and came and settled in different parts of the Western United States (especially Idaho). A huge thanks to Mrs. Harrigfeld and many others who worked so hard on this activity for the residents to enjoy.
Employee of the Quarter
Our employee of the 1st Quarter was Ms. Rodenbough. Ms. Rodenbough joined our 5C team this year and has done an amazing job at keeping our facility looking its best through her great janitorial and light maintenance work. Thank you so much! 5C is a much nicer place to be since you have joined our team.
Our employee of the 2nd Quarter was Mr. Valdez. Mr. Valdez has really stepped up and helped us at 5C. He joined our team earlier this year and accepted a Full-time shift when we really needed his help. He does a great job of working with the residents and holding them accountable to the facility's expectations. Thank you Mr. Valdez for all of your hard work!
DBT Spotlight
Half Smile is a valuable Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill designed to help individuals manage their emotions, particularly in situations that trigger stress, anxiety, or anger. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the founder of DBT, Half Smile is a simple yet effective technique that encourages emotional regulation and improved interpersonal interactions. Here's a detailed description of the Half Smile DBT skill:
Description:
1. Purpose: Half Smile is primarily used to reduce the emotional intensity and manage distressing emotions. It aims to strike a balance between suppressing emotions and fully expressing them, promoting a more measured and controlled emotional response.
2. Technique: To practice Half Smile, follow these steps:
a. Relax: Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or stand. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and bring awareness to your current emotional state.
b. Subtle Smile: Begin by gently turning up the corners of your mouth into a subtle, half-smile. It's important that the smile is genuine, even if it's small. The goal is not to fake happiness but to activate the physiological response associated with positive emotions.
c. Body Scan: As you hold the half-smile, slowly scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to any areas of tension or discomfort. With each breath, imagine the tension melting away.
d. Acceptance: As you continue to smile and release bodily tension, remind yourself that it's okay to experience your current emotions. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment or criticism.
e. Observe: Now, turn your attention to the thoughts and emotions that triggered your distress. Observe them without getting caught up in the story or trying to change them. Simply notice them as passing events in your mind.
f. Breathe: Throughout the practice, maintain slow, deep breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This rhythmic breathing helps anchor you in the present moment.
3. Benefits: The Half Smile DBT skill offers several benefits:
Emotion Regulation: It helps individuals gain better control over their emotional responses, preventing impulsive reactions and allowing for more reasoned decision-making.
Stress Reduction: By reducing bodily tension and promoting relaxation, Half Smile can alleviate the physical symptoms of stress, such as muscle tension and rapid heartbeat.
Improved Interpersonal Relations: Practicing Half Smile can help individuals respond to challenging social situations with greater emotional composure, enhancing their communication and relationships.
Mindfulness: This technique fosters mindfulness, the ability to be fully present in the moment without judgment, which is a cornerstone of DBT.
Distress Tolerance: Half Smile equips individuals with a tool to endure distressing situations without becoming overwhelmed, helping them build resilience.
In conclusion, the Half Smile DBT skill is a valuable tool for individuals seeking to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and enhance their emotional regulation abilities. It can be practiced regularly to build emotional resilience and promote well-being in various aspects of life.