Healing and Help in These Challenging Times

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The Orange Print Promoting Peace as a LIFEstyle MESSAGE FROM ERICA Are you Stressed Out? Feeling Overwhelmed? Having Trouble Coping?  During these troubled times, it is normal to feel this way. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, LIFE Camp is here to support you in finding positive ways to cope and improve your stress, health, and overall well-being. First and foremost, we want you to know that you are not alone and it is natural to experience these feelings.  It’s ok to acknowledge to yourself that you are not where you want to be with your mental/physical/emotional health.  It is ok to take time for yourself to restore your wellbeing and to take as much time as you need.    Journaling Try expressing your feelings by talking or writing them down. Built up emotions makes it harder to cope with stress.   Take A Hot Bath or Shower  Not only does a warm bath make the blood flow easier, it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower, particularly when taking in steam. Taking a hot bath or shower can kill bacteria and improve immunity. It can relieve the symptoms of cold and flu. Try adding lavender oil for further relaxation.   Meditation/Mindfulness  According to research, Meditation improves the immune system, reduces blood pressure and even sharpens the mind.  Our long-time friend and supporter, Deepak Chopra, offers 21 Day Meditations that are easy to use to help you meditate. Focus on Positive Thoughts and Limit Time Watching The News This is one of the hardest things to do when coping with stress. At times, it can seem impossible. But, dwelling on the negatives often adds to your stress and takes away your motivation to make things better. Look for the challenges in a situation by asking, "What can I learn from this?" or "How can I grow as a person?" Remind yourself you are doing the best you can given the circumstances. Peace and blessings, Erica Ford Become A Peacemaker COMMUNITY EVENTS Midday Mindfulness With Pastor Tillman  Could a few mindfulness sessions ease your anxiety during these times? Join us every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 3pm - 3:30pm for a 30 minute mind guided meditation session via Zoom with Pastor Tillman visit lifecampinc.com/mindfulness to register.   Wellness Wednesdays  On Wednesday April 15th we launched Wellness Wednesdays with Kheperah Kearse and Tracy Queene, Credible Clinician, from our Therapeutic Services Team.  Join them every week as they provide wellness tips for the mind/body/soul, on Wednesdays from 4pm-5pm EST on LIFE Camp Inc. Facebook/Zoom Live. Please visit www.facebook.com/PeaceIsALifestyle to tune in.  And if you missed this weeks session you can check it out here. Healing Through Laughter Did You Know That Laughter Builds Your Immune System?  Yes It’s True! According to Guide.org Laughter: Lowers Stress Hormones  Decreases Pain Relaxes Your Muscles  Prevents Heart Disease Eases Anxiety  Join us this Friday for our weekly Healing Through Laughter LIVE comedy show, and ease the stress of your week with healing laughter. COMMUNITY RESOURCES Check out these COVID19 updates from Mayor Bill de Blasio. Please share the resources below amongst your audiences and reach out to us with any questions or concerns. ONE WEEK OF FREE GROCERIES are available to all New Yorkers in five boroughs at the Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Nutrition Kitchens, in partnership with the Food Bank of NYC and the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) Learn More: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/neon/programs/nutrition-kitchen.page  Expanded Free Meals To EVERY New Yorker! Over 400 locations offer three free meals Monday to Friday. Kids pick up 7:30 am—11:30 am. Adults pick up 11:30 am—1:30 pm.Text ‘NYC FOOD’ or ‘NYC COMIDA’ to 877-877 to find a location. Learn more: http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals   To Access SNAP Online Ordering Learn more: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/snap-online-shopping.page Donate Money, Medical Supplies or Personal Protective Equipment For Front line Workers Learn more:  https://www1.nyc.gov/site/helpnownyc/give-help/donate.page Affected By COVID-19? Find Out What Benefits You May Qualify For And More! Learn more:  https://access.nyc.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/   Join Our Daily Virtual Discussion Tune into our virtual discussion on “What Everyone Can Do To Stay Healthy During The Coronavirus” Monday-Saturday at 6 PM EDT/3 PM PDT on Facebook and Instagram @ericaford_ilovemylife.  Stay In Touch  In order to prevent community spread, our offices are physically closed but we are still open for business as first responders. Please contact info@peaceisalifestyle.com or call 646-258-0936 if you may need our assistance during this time. Let's stay connected on social media! By coming together in this uncertain time, we can continue to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our community. Follow @lifecampinc & @ericaford_ilovemylife on all social platforms. Become A Peacemaker PEACE IS A PROCESS Peace is a process. Part of this process includes equipping everyday people with the tools they need in order to resolve conflict peacefully. The New York City Crisis Management System trains and deploys VIPS (Violence Intervention and Prevention Specialists) to high-risk areas to help de-escalate gang violence and retaliation, teach non-violent conflict resolution, and to promote peaceful alternatives. The Crisis Management System is directly responsible for a 15% overall decrease in shootings in New York City, with as much as an 80% in individual service areas, and 0% shootings in areas directly supported by VIPS. The system works. Help us strengthen this system and expand our work to  more communities in need. LIFE Camp is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible. And life-saving. Donate Today