By Sandy Anderson

Community Health and Wellness Coordinator

Gaining perspective when life is busy, even if it’s the good stuff of life, can be difficult for most all of us. Moving from one task or activity to the next without pause creates a perfect storm of stress, anxiety and physical exhaustion. This personal storm impacts not only our individual health but the state of health for our families, worksites and communities overall.

The Mental Fitness Team of Mower Refreshed is hosting the fourth annual TAKE5 Event that offers an opportunity to create intentional pause on your calendar. This event has become a regular for some attenders to recharge and refocus as the summer months begin. For some it’s been a midpoint of the year to reflect on the New Year resolutions they set to improve their health.

This year’s event focus is on self-care. Exploring practical steps and strategies to practice self-care that improves not only the individual participant’s physical and mental health but equips them to offer those skills and insights to those they interact with at home, work and beyond. The keynote speaker Christy Tryhus, founder of Simply Balanced Coaching and Training will be facilitating conversations around the topics:

•No is not a four letter word

•Reduce Busy Mind Syndrome

•The Power of Me Time

•Responding with Resilience to Second Hand Stress

This focus is rooted in the discoveries made through local research by Mayo Clinic Health System that stated individuals in Mower County are motivated to take care of themselves because someone depends on them. This may not seem a huge revelation to us locally but know that the researchers stated this is not the motivation in many other places nationally: the motivation lies in “what’s in it for me,” not driven by concern about others.

Kay Middlebrook, Mayo Clinic Health System will be providing participants with specific practices to enhance self-care physically and mentally. In addition, those attending will have the opportunity to view a new video tool: Building a Resilient Community, created through a collaborative community effort that will provide places to begin conversations where you live, work, learn, and worship on ways to grow more good through everyday relentless kindness and empathy.

These practical skills, tools, and the beautiful venue of the Austin Artworks Center create a morning that promises to engage, equip, and empower you towards well-living. To view the morning’s agenda, sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea & Austin, visit www.MowerRefreshed.org

Reframe Your Mind – Reframe Your Life

When: 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. June 11

Where: Austin Artworks Center

Registration: Limited seating is available. Registration is required by June 8 at connect@MowerRefreshed.org or 507-434-1664

Cost: $5 for event; additional $5 if desiring 3.3 continuing education units.

Breakfast will be catered by Refreshing Dining participant 3B Eatery.

Wellness Wednesday tip

“Patience provides perspective.”

— Simon Sinek.

Be encouraged as you practice patience that there is a purpose in the wait.