Making An Impact is a column authored by members of the Community Impact Team (CIT). The Transcript publishes these articles periodically to inform our readers about the resources and programming available free of charge to people of all ages in our community through the CIT’s efforts.

 

NORTH READING — North Reading’s Community Impact Team’s (CIT) Mental Wellness Action Team, in collaboration with town departments and community volunteers, is excited to offer Self-Care Week, November 13-17. This is the fourth Self-Care Week hosted by the Mental Wellness Action Team.

Self-Care Week features a variety of virtual and in-person events, encouraging community members to take time for themselves and focus on activities that make them feel well. According to Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellness: “Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness, and more. It can help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.”

The Mental Wellness Action Team seeks to support residents in strengthening their self-care practices through events offered during this fall’s Self-Care Week. All event information will be shared on the North Reading CIT Facebook page. If events recommend supplies (i.e. virtual “cook-along”), they will be listed ahead of time. While some events require registration, others will be at the participant’s leisure. Self-Care Week events are open to all ages; some events can be done individually, while others are designed to foster positive, meaningful connections.

As Laura Miranda, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clinician with the North Reading Police Department and CIT notes, “While we hope North Reading residents continuously practice self-care, we look forward to dedicating a week in November to intentionally focus on taking time for yourself. Self-care is such an important part of overall well-being, and it is the Mental Wellness Team’s pleasure to provide offerings that may encourage residents to do (or try!) more things they enjoy.”

The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, November 13

  • 12 p.m.: Senior Center Self Care Fair, Aldersgate Church, 235 Park St. (Mondays on the Move)
  • 6 p.m.: Virtual Mindfulness [Registration required; go to: northreadingma.gov/community-impact-team/pages/events.]

Tuesday, November 14

  • 1 p.m.: Melrose-Wakefield Hospital De-stressing Program (open to all ages), Senior Center, 157 Park St.

Wednesday, November 15

  • 2 – 5 p.m.: Intergenerational Self Care Dance Party, Senior Center, 157 Park St. Drop in event; no registration needed.
  • 7 – 8:30 p.m.: Struggle Care: An Evening with bestselling author and TikTok star KC Davis (virtual via Flint Memorial Library) Registration required. Go to the library’s online event page at flintmemoriallibrary.org or call 978-664-4942 for assistance.

Thursday, November 16

  • 1 p.m.: 40 Developmental Assets Program, Senior Center
  • 6 p.m.: Fun with Parks and Recreation Department video

Friday, November 17

  • 3 – 5 p.m.: Teen Board Game Club, Library Activity Room
  • 6 p.m.: Virtual Cook-Along

Kids, tweens and teen events

There will also be several other offerings throughout Self-Care Week. Flint Memorial Library’s teen area will have self-care experiences offered throughout the week. There will be a white board where teens can add self-care activity suggestions as well as a self-care bag to take home.

The library will also have an after-school story time for young elementary children on the fourth floor Children’s Room with a Play-Doh activity on Tuesday, November 14.

CIT social media will share relevant self-care information, prompts, and encouragement throughout the week. To follow CIT Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/NRCommunity. Email lmiranda@nrpd.org with any questions on this year’s Self-Care Week.