This month we’re launching a new logo as we embark on refreshing our look in general. Mindfully aware that change is inevitable, we felt that a simpler, more distinctive logo could do a better job of conveying our new look.
So with that in mind, you’ll see the visuals around NNC aligning in this new direction: On the upcoming "new look" website, in our marketing, and in our training and course materials. We hope you find NeuroNova Centre more instantly recognizable in the growing Mindfulness training landscape.
GENERAL INTEREST
MINDFUL READING...
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER By Katherine Hall
We may casually refer to it as the winter blues, winter doldrums, or winter depression, but those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience real symptoms of depression which can impact every aspect of their lives.1,2
There is debate among professionals on what causes SAD, but it is generally reported from the medical community that the environment is a major contributor.3
From the onset of darkening days in the fall to its retreat in early spring, research shows that the farther north you live on the globe (at about 38 degrees latitude)3,4 the more likely you are to experience this winter slump, which means that those living north of the middle U.S. and most of Western Europe are affected. This explains why someone who lives in Rome is just as likely to suffer from SAD as someone who lives in Yellowknife!
Signs and Symptoms
The major symptom is a sad, despairing mood that lasts for more than two weeks and can impair performance at work, at school, at home, or social and family relationships.5,6
It’s also more likely to occur in women than in men, and more frequently in younger adults that in older adults.7
More serious symptoms can include changes in appetite and weight; sleep problems (insomnia, oversleeping); trouble concentrating; and, thoughts of suicide (which should always be taken seriously)5
Treating SAD
There are a number of steps you can take to help limit the symptoms of SAD. In addition to seeking advice from your doctor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can and making choices that can lift your mood may keep SAD at bay.
For instance, going outside and participating in winter activities; getting plenty of sunlight by being outside and keeping your curtains open to allow natural light inside; exercising; avoiding drugs and alcohol; getting plenty of sleep (good sleep hygiene can help here); and, practicing relaxation exercises in addition to mindfulness and meditation.7
The most common treatments for SAD are light therapy and psychotherapy. Light therapy is a popular option and whereby you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box.6 The box provides bright light mimicking the light of the natural outdoors. While it won’t cure SAD, it may ease symptoms, increase energy levels, and help you feel better about yourself and life.6
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and cognitive behavioural therapy, may also help according to research.8,9,10 In a SAD study conducted at the University of Vermont11 CBT, alone or with light therapy, was effective at treating SAD, write the researchers. At the end of treatment, 80 percent of patients were in remission.8
What can you do today?
Taking action to live a healthier lifestyle is always a good idea, with the advice of your physician, especially during these winter months of low light. But because we’re wired to be awake during the day (when there’s light outside) and asleep at night (when it gets dark outside), the symptoms of SAD can apply to shift workers or office staff that do not have exposure to regular day light, affecting their circadian rhythms.12 Also, those who live in the northernmost regions of Canada experiencing polar night (when the night lasts for more than 24 hours)13 require therapy for SAD.14
If you’re feeling some of the symptoms of SAD, don’t just brush them off – take them seriously. Asking for help is a sign of strength and the first step toward recovery. Take time today to find out about methods to cope with SAD.15
Facilitated by Debbie Joel B.A. and Katherine Hall B.A. (Hons).
TAKING MINDFULNESS COURSES...
Mindfulness Based Chronic Pain Management (MBCPM™) ...learn the principles of mindful meditation, the benefits of living in the moment, and how these relate to suffering less pain.
April 18-22, 2020: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday (no class on April 20), from 9:15 am to 4:45 pm
August 8-12, 2020: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday (no class on August 10), from 9:15 am to 4:45 pm.
The course is covered by OHIP with referral from your doctor/nurse practitioner through completion of our doctor's Referral Form. Cost of materials extra. Please contact us if you would like to register.
This twelve hour training will introduce strategies and languaging to mindfulness courses which are trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed to enhance keeping the space safe for all participants, and facilitators. Please click here for more information.
Instructors: Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix
and Dr. Allen Steverman
Participants will:
Develop a referral process that ensures the client is ready and appropriate for Mindfulness course entry
Structure Mindfulness courses in a trauma-informed trauma-sensitive way
Role model and use language with sensitivity to past trauma
Recognize behaviours which suggest triggering of past trauma
Assist participants to stay within, or close, to their “window of tolerance"
Dates:
March 28/29, 2020: On site, University of Toronto (Dr. Gardner-Nix)
June 6 and 13, 2020: Online, (Dr. Steverman June 6; Dr. Gardner-Nix June 13)
October 24/25, 2020: On site, University of Toronto (Dr. Allen Steverman)
Cost: $499
GETTING PROFESSIONAL TRAINING...
MBCPM™ @ University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies:
MBCPM™ Practical Training Immersion 3501 (on site) ...learn with chronic pain sufferers how mindfulness gives them tools to live a better, more pain-controlled life
BURSARIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies has a bursary program which supports students experiencing financial challenges. These bursaries are available for application during different periods throughout the year. The following two bursaries are accepting applications for Spring Summer 2020 courses from March 2nd to March 19th:
Did you know that...
January is National Mentoring Month
Mentoring and Mindfulness go hand in hand by Katherine Hall
National Mentoring Month is an annual campaign across North America to recognize the value of mentorship and to celebrate the hardworking mentors in our homes, offices, and communities. Originating in the U.S., it's popularity and value have spread to Canada where programs continue to be developed.
Mentoring is much more than a simple transfer of knowledge and has reciprocal benefits for both the mentor and mentee. In addition to the guidance and confidence-building advice mentees receive, mentors themselves have an opportunity to mindfully develop leadership and coaching skills, to enjoy a fresh perspective and to give back to their communities.
Forward thinking organizations recognize the value of incorporating and supporting mentoring programs in their workplace. Executives with a focus on talent want to mindfully nurture, retain, and grow the people who will become their future leaders.
Mindful reasons to appreciate mentoring
1. Mentoring creates unity
Mentoring allows people to grow and improve themselves and brings people from all walks of life together. Goals are so much more attainable when there is a mentor who can help accomplish your vision.
2. Seeking a mentor builds courage
National Mentoring Month is a great way to introduce yourself to others in your community and build courage. It can be daunting to ask someone to mentor you, but it all starts with what you want to succeed in. At your workplace, seeking a mentor can help you develop strengths and overcome weaknesses through feedback and advice. The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge can lead to career mobility.
3. Mentoring others can help your community and business
Many provinces and organizations (i.e. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada), offer chances for young people to join mentoring communities. Even if you are changing professions or are looking for a new start, mentoring programs allow for people to meet others to help them achieve their goals, while mitigating risk. From my experience in Health and Safety and Human Resources in large organizations, mentored employees stay on the job longer because they feel a greater sense of loyalty and commitment. They produce higher levels of productivity and make fewer mistakes on the job. There are even companies dedicated to the service of matching mentors and mentees within organizations.
MINDFUL READING...
Mindfulness Maintenance:
1-416-461-4333 
