NAMI- Carroll County Iowa

01/17/2026

How Physical Activity Supports Mental Wellness 💚

Physical activity isn’t just about physical health — it plays a powerful role in supporting mental wellness, too. Even small amounts of movement can make a meaningful difference in how we feel, think, and cope.

Here’s how moving your body can support your mental well-being:

✨ Boosts mood
Movement helps release endorphins — natural chemicals that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress or sadness.

🧠 Reduces stress & anxiety
Physical activity can calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension, and give your mind a healthy break from worry.

💤 Improves sleep
Regular movement can help regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling more rested.

💪 Builds confidence & resilience
Setting small movement goals and following through can increase self-esteem and reinforce a sense of accomplishment.

🤝 Encourages connection
Walking with a friend, joining a class, or exercising as a family can strengthen social bonds and reduce feelings of isolation.

🌱 Remember:
You don’t need intense workouts to see benefits. Gentle movement counts — stretching, walking, gardening, dancing, or playing with kids all matter.

💬 What’s one way you like to move your body to support your mental wellness?

— NAMI Carroll County

01/16/2026

🌊 Managing Overwhelming Emotions in a Healthy Way

Big emotions can feel intense, confusing, and exhausting.
When emotions overwhelm us, it doesn’t mean something is wrong — it means something inside us needs care.

💚 Healthy ways to manage overwhelming emotions:
• Pause and focus on slow, deep breathing
• Name the emotion you’re feeling (anger, sadness, anxiety, grief)
• Ground yourself by noticing what you can see, hear, or touch
• Give yourself permission to take a break
• Express feelings through writing, art, or movement
• Reach out to someone you trust for support

✨ Remember: Emotions are not emergencies. They rise, peak, and pass — even when they feel unbearable in the moment.

💬 Reflection:
What helps you feel calmer when emotions start to feel too heavy?

You’re not alone, and support is always available.

01/16/2026

01/15/2026

🧠 Healthy Coping Skills vs. Unhealthy Coping Behaviors

We all cope with stress, emotions, and challenges — it’s human.
The difference isn’t whether we cope, but how we cope.

💚 Healthy coping skills help us process emotions and build resilience:
• Talking with someone you trust
• Taking breaks and resting when needed
• Movement, stretching, or time outdoors
• Deep breathing or grounding exercises
• Journaling or creative expression
• Asking for professional support

⚠️ Unhealthy coping behaviors may bring short-term relief but often create more stress over time:
• Avoiding or suppressing emotions
• Withdrawing from others
• Overusing substances, food, or screens
• Lashing out in anger or shutting down
• Ignoring physical or emotional needs

✨ Important reminder:
Unhealthy coping doesn’t mean failure — it means you’re trying to survive with the tools you have right now. And tools can be learned, replaced, and strengthened.

💬 Reflection question:
What’s one healthy coping skill you’d like to practice more often?

You’re not alone, and support is always available.

01/14/2026

🌱 How Small Daily Habits Build Long-Term Resilience

Resilience isn’t something we suddenly “have” one day.
It’s something we build — little by little — through everyday choices.

Small habits may not feel powerful in the moment, but over time, they create strength, stability, and confidence to face life’s challenges.

✨ Small habits that support resilience:
• Pausing to take a few deep breaths
• Getting consistent sleep when possible
• Moving your body in ways that feel good
• Noticing one thing you’re grateful for
• Checking in with your emotions without judgment
• Reaching out for support instead of carrying it alone

These small actions add up. They help your nervous system recover from stress, strengthen coping skills, and create a foundation for better mental wellness.

💬 Remember: You don’t have to change everything at once. Even one small habit practiced daily can make a meaningful difference over time.

👉 What’s one small habit that helps you feel more grounded or supported?
Share below — your experience may help someone else.

01/13/2026

🌿 Mindfulness Practices That Support Emotional Balance 🧠

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment — without judgment 🕊️
It doesn’t require perfection, long meditation sessions, or special tools. Even small moments of awareness can support emotional balance 🌱

Practicing mindfulness can help:
✨ Reduce stress and overwhelm
💛 Improve emotional regulation
👀 Increase self-awareness
🧠 Support overall mental wellness

Simple mindfulness practices you can try:
🌬️ Take a few slow, intentional breaths
👂 Notice what you can see, hear, and feel around you
⏸️ Pause before reacting to strong emotions
🚶 Spend a few minutes walking, stretching, or journaling
🌊 Allow emotions to exist without trying to change or fix them

Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind — it’s about meeting yourself where you are with curiosity and compassion 🤍

💬 What mindfulness practice helps you feel more grounded?

You’re not alone. NAMI Carroll County is here to support emotional balance and mental wellness in our community 💙