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October Online Course Calendar

CMHA Wood Buffalo Recovery College Online Classes

October Online Schedule:

Compassionate Communication

Language and our use of words has a major affect on our ability to remain compassionate. In this course we will explore different approaches to communicating – both speaking and listening. Compassionate Communication will strengthen our skills to remain human, even under challenging conditions. This course will help us replace old patterns of unhealthy communication with new intentional communication skills – freeing ourselves of judgement and criticism.

Mondays: October 19 – November 2 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Link to register

Building Better Boundaries

Building better boundaries involves learning how to set boundaries, talking to others about your boundaries, and showing others you respect their boundaries. This online workshop will introduce you to what boundaries are, the various types of boundaries, why they are important and practice setting boundaries in specific COVID-19 related scenarios to help you improve your overall wellness. This is a two hour workshop, offered once a week for four weeks.

Tuesdays: October 13 – November 3 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Link to register

Art of Friendship

Good relationships require the use of effective communication tools and skills. In this course, you will gain insight into why people may misinterpret us or respond the way they do. You will improve your personal understanding and awareness, and learn how to get the most out of all of your relationships. You will set individual recovery goals, meet new friends and build the confidence to live your best quality of life in your community.

Tuesdays: October 6 – November 3 from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Link to register 

Confront the Discomfort

Anxiety is a normal reaction to uncertainty regarding COVID-19. However, too much anxiety can take a toll on your daily life and overall well-being. In this course you will learn a variety of tools to help deal with fear and anxiety so you can confront the discomfort in a positive and healthy way. This is a two hour workshop, offered once a week for four weeks.

Wednesdays: October 7 – October 28 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Link to register

Bouncing Back

Life is full of ups ad downs and your capacity to cope is often challenged. When the pressure is on and you have to deal with life’s big bumps, you have to find a way to dig deep into your resiliency reserve and your memory bank of times when you successfully coped before. The purpose of this course is to focus on how to cope resiliently, develop your personal capacity for resilience while practicing and applying techniques you can reliably use to build or recover your capacity to bounce back. By the end of the course students will be able to: Identify what coping strategies will improve their resiliency; Identify external stressors and skillfully respond with resiliency building strategies; Determine ways to silent any negative internal messages; and set goals and action plans to implement new coping strategies into everyday life.

Thursdays: October 15 – November 5 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Link to register

Food and Mood

Everything you put into your body affects how you feel! Throughout this course you will learn how to increase your overall energy level, add nutrients, and eat foods that will help you feel better.

Fridays: October 9 – October 30 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Link to register

Reducing anxiety related to COVID-19

Stay Focused on What you Can Control

While this situation may seem overwhelming there are things you can do to feel empowered. Frequently washing your hands, avoiding large gatherings, having an isolation plan and making sure you are following the guidelines recommended by Alberta Health Services are all ways you can feel in control during this difficult time.

Recognize that it is Normal to Feel Anxiety

During times of crisis it is normal to feel increased anxiety and it is important to acknowledge those feelings are valid. For those already prone to mental health issues, a stressful situation like a pandemic can increase anxiety, depression and hopelessness. Identify supportive people and mental health services in your community you can reach out to if these feelings begin to overcome your life.

Limit your Consumption of News and Social Media

Take time throughout the day to avoid checking your news-feed, especially before bedtime. Allow yourself time to focus on activities you enjoy and bring positivity to your life. Reading, listening to music or doing some meditation are all great ways to de-stress when you are unable to attend regular activities in the community. This may even be a great opportunity to learn a new hobby!

Remain Connected and Listen to your Body

Exercise regularly, get outside, eat well, get enough rest and take care of your mental health by focusing on supportive relationships. Even if you can’t go out and meet with friends and family in person, a quick phone call or video chat can help you feel less alone.

Have Open Conversations with Your Family

Have age-appropriate conversations with your children and answer any questions they may have in language they understand. Reassure them they are safe and that it is okay to feel anxious or scared. Keep the lines of communication open with loved ones and watch for signs of mental distress.

About CMHA Recovery College Wood Buffalo

Recovery Colleges bring together the expertise of people with lived experience of mental health and substance use problems, along with the expertise of professionals to collaboratively co-develop and co-deliver courses that are relevant and highly valued by the community.

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