SAFE SPACE DUBLIN
What is a Safe Space? Safe Space Dublin began in December 2022 in the City of Dublin. All City buildings, including the Dublin Justice Center, and all Washington Township Fire Department stations operate as Safe Space Dublin locations.
to promote havens of safety, security and support resources that anyone can use. This program ensures there are community-based sanctuaries where people can feel comfortable visiting should they be in personal crisis or have experienced hate crimes, threats or intimidation. Curious to learn more? Visit SafeSpaceDublin.org .
That means someone entering those buildings in a time of need can receive compassionate instructions from trained staff members, known as allies, about what steps they can take to receive support during a situation where their safety is in jeopardy. Led by the Dublin Police Department, Safe Space Dublin is designed
SPRING CLEANING FOR THE MIND
Connect with Others Reach out to friends or family members you have not connected with in a while, or connect with new people who may have similar interests. Syntero’s upcoming summer preventative groups for youth are a great way for young people to connect
Each spring, many people deep clean their homes, offices and storage areas to signify a fresh
start for the year. Just as spring cleaning benefits physical spaces, “clearing our minds” can benefit our mental health and overall well- being. Check out the following recommendations to help organize and process thoughts, focus on the present moment and build healthy relationships with yourself and others: Journal Writing our thoughts down can be a great way to unwind at the end of a stressful day. In fact, writing about upsetting experiences can help reduce stress hormones and symptoms of depression, according to experts. Plan to dedicate five minutes each day to jot down your thoughts before bed. Clearing your mind before bed can help you get a restful night’s sleep and wake up more refreshed in the morning. Additionally, starting each day by writing down statements of gratitude can help put negative experiences into perspective. Practice Mindfulness “Mindfulness” is a popular buzzword. Still, knowing where to start or how to incorporate the practice into your daily life can be difficult. Simply take a moment to focus on the present moment while acknowledging your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. If you are just beginning, set a short time limit, such as 5 or 10 minutes, and gradually increase the time as your comfort grows. If your mind wanders, gradually return your attention to your breath. Spend Time Outdoors Natural settings are perfect for practicing mindfulness, and connecting with nature offers additional benefits. Sunlight synthesizes Vitamin D, which can help naturally boost your mood. People can absorb Vitamin D on cloudy days, and the fresh air is an added benefit. Spending just 20 minutes outside every day can help improve your overall mental and physical health, according to a study featured in Frontiers in Psychology.
with each other and learn valuable life skills. Visit www.syntero.org/ groups-youth to learn more. Social opportunities for older adults are also available through Forever Dublin, a partnership between the City of Dublin and Syntero that provides social connections and educational groups for residents to make Dublin their forever home. Learn more at www.syntero.org/older-adults. About Syntero Syntero, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that advocates and supports the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities by providing professional, compassionate expert counseling and community-based services that adapt to the changing needs of the community. Syntero has served Central Ohio for more than 40 years and has offices in Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center and Northeast Columbus. Programs and services are offered throughout Franklin, Delaware and Morrow Counties.
Visit ForeverDublin.com for resources on ways to get engaged, stay involved and access the support you may need today and tomorrow to make Dublin the place to enjoy every stage of your life.
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Healthy Spring/Summer 2023
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