Posts in Behavioral Health
Optimism
Optimism

Aloha ‘Ohana

What is optimism?

Optimism is a mental attitude characterized by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. Optimists are those who expect good things to happen, where pessimists instead focus on unfavorable outcomes. 

Optimistic attitudes are linked to a number of benefits, including better coping skills, lower stress levels, better physical health, and higher persistence when pursuing goals. Optimists tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks. Even the most miserable day holds the promise for them that "tomorrow will probably be better.”

Why does being optimistic matter?
Health benefits of being optimistic may include:

- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress and pain
- Greater resistance to illnesses
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Better cardiovascular health
- Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#optimism

Community Outreach, Behavioral HealthEric RhodesPSA - Local, Mental Health
A Hawaiian Perspective
A Hawaiian Perspective

Aloha 'Ohana,

It's Manao Monday here at Ko'olauloa Health Center and we wanted to share this insightful post from Adam Keawe. If you or someone you love is feeling anxious or depressed, you are just a phone call away from our friendly Behavioral Health Services staff. Call (808) 293-9231 at any time.

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell

Behavioral Health, Community OutreachEric RhodesPSA - Local
Compassion
Compassion

Happy Monday ‘Ohana!

We love this graphic! Its meaning sits very close to one of our core principles here at Ko’olauloa Health Center - compassion.

Many of us stop at Empathy when we try to support others through difficulties.

While Empathy allows us to authentically feel with the sufferer, it can sometimes reduce our ability to help, as we become immersed in their emotions.

To be an effective supporter, it's sometimes better to take a step back from the debilitating emotions and transition into Compassion, where we can take effective actions to help.

Have a beautiful week!

#bewell

#staywell

#livewell

Behavioral Health, Community OutreachEric RhodesPSA - Local
Food & Mood
Food & Mood

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Here is an important message from our registered dietitian.

Did you know that food affects your mood?

The connection between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain.” Here’s how it works: Your GI tract is home to billions of bacteria that influence the production of neurotransmitters, chemical substances that constantly carry messages from the gut to the brain. (Dopamine and serotonin are two common examples.)

Eating healthy food promotes the growth of “good” bacteria, which in turn positively affects neurotransmitter production. A steady diet of junk food, on the other hand, can cause inflammation that hampers production. When neurotransmitter production is in good shape, your brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions reflect it. But when production goes awry, so might your mood.

If you want to learn more, call (808) 293-9231 to set up an appointment with our registered dietitian. As always, our entire staff looks forward to your call.

#bewell
#staywell
#eatwell

Behavioral Health, DietitianEric RhodesNutrition, Mental Health
Scrolling
Scrolling

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Here is an important health tip from our staff. As you know we live in an era of constant phone checking. Scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, playing with filters on Snapchat, and checking Twitter are things some people do for hours on end.

According to data recently released by the analytics firm Flurry, the average American spends up to 5 hours a day on their phone. That’s 35 hours a week and 140 hours a month that we are wasting on our phones!

The truth is, cell phones run people’s lives. We need to look up from our phones and take in the world around us. There’s so much to do and see instead of staring at your cell phone.

Here are a few things you can do instead of scrolling:

  • Take a walk

  • Take a yoga class

  • Visit a farmer’s market

  • Go for a bike ride

  • Go to the gym

  • Make a bucket list

  • Take a nap

  • Meditate

  • Play with your dog

  • Write in a journal

  • Listen to music

  • Hang out with friends/family

  • Get your COVID booster

#bewell
#staywell
#scrollsmart

Community Outreach, Behavioral HealthEric RhodesTechnology, Social Media
Words Matter
Words Matter

Aloha ‘Ohana - we hope everyone is safe on this rainy Monday. While we were getting ready for the week and the new year, we were thinking of our community’s keiki and how we can continue to be a positive influence.

Going back to basics - Words Matter…

Certainly, words can become meaningless when they aren’t followed with action, but nonetheless, words have great power. You can choose to add more positive ones to your days.

What phrases do you say each day to your children?

Which ones do you want them to remember?

What do you say that will stay with your children for the rest of their lives?

Coming up with a few encouraging words for kids or positive phrases to say may tip the scales towards the kindness you want your keiki to imitate.

Here is an abbreviated list of things to say to your children that may inspire you*

  • You are loved

  • You make me smile

  • I think about you when we’re apart

  • My world is better with you in it

  • I will do my best to keep you safe

  • Sometimes I will say no

  • I have faith in you

  • I know you can handle it

  • You are creative

  • Trust your instincts

  • Your ideas are worthwhile

  • You are capable

  • You are deserving

  • You are strong

  • The complete list will appear in the News section of our new website while will be launching very soon!

Artwork: Alissa Marquess. Our staff is a big fan of Alissa Marquess’ work. You can see more at creativewithkids.com.

Behavioral Health, Community OutreachEric RhodesKeiki, PSA - Local