The Peaceful Professor

14/02/2021

Hi, folks! I’m excited you found me in this vast online world. I’m not active on Facebook but I would love to get to know you. I hope you’ll visit me on Instagram or Twitter (I’m on both platforms).

You can also find me on my website, where I share resources related to stress management, self-care, resilience, and self-advocacy: https://peacefulprofessor.com

1,622 Followers, 293 Following, 1,175 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Jessica T. Smith, Ph.D. ()

30/10/2019

‪Why mental health should be among colleges' most urgent priorities: https://www.educationdive.com/news/president-speaks-mental-health-should-be-among-colleges-most-urgent-prio/565867/ ‬

Investing more in addressing students' well-being will have an impact beyond campus, writes Ithaca College President Shirley Collado.

30/10/2019

You might not be exactly where you want to be right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Don’t postpone living life to the fullest. Don’t put your ideas and dreams on the back burner.
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Does that feel too hard right now? That’s okay. Find something, no matter how small, to be grateful for in this moment. Use that gratitude like kindling and, in time, it will stoke a fire within you. And pretty soon, that energy will fill you and propel you forward. But it all starts with a tiny spark of love, creativity, joy, or gratitude.
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29/10/2019

Take a few deep breaths. Divide your tasks into itty bitty steps. Start with something easy. And repeat after me: everything will get done. Sometimes starting is the hardest part. 💕
Art by -graceful

28/10/2019

...within reason, of course. Probably not a good idea to say “hell no” to your boss or teacher. But I do encourage you to truly reflect on the things you say “yes” to. Was your assent a knee-jerk, people-pleasing reaction? Are you saying yes to avoid conflict? Are you prioritizing others’ needs above your own and calling it compassion? 🤔
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22/10/2019

‪Offering support and advice at a distance is a challenge. Here are 9 tips on how to effectively parent a college student: http://ow.ly/zs9Y50wbrSj ‬

So your college kid is off and you're a little lost. Here are tips from Emory University psych professor about how to make this separation good for all of you.

21/10/2019

Caffeine and kindness — what we all need on a Monday.
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20/10/2019

What type of rest do you need today?
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I’ve posted this list before but I love it so much that I decided to post it again in honor of and .
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Self-care is a very personal practice — what restores and relaxes me may not work for you. It will likely take some trial and error to discover what forms of self-care will help you feel healthier and happier. Don’t shy away from that experimentation. It will help you identify a variety of strategies you can add to your self-care toolkit, which is important because some days require a hammer while other days require a screwdriver 😋
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So what type of rest is your body or mind calling out for? Is there another type to add to this list?

18/10/2019

Now that I’m approaching 40, imposter syndrome strikes only every OTHER day 😋 I joke, but it truly is one of the most debilitating mindsets. Take it from me, folks, don’t let that critical voice inside your head prevent you from chasing a dream or working towards a goal. I’ve wasted too many years thinking no one would care what I have to say and that others could say it better than me. Such a waste. Life is too short. Get on it!
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16/10/2019

There is more to life than the hustle. Take time to scrunch your toes in the soft grass.
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12/10/2019

Wise advice from .at.therapy. 💕Another favorite reframe is to replace “I don’t have time” with “this isn’t a priority” and see how that feels. If it feels good and true, let that thing go. But if it feels dishonest, it’s time to reconsider what my priorities are and what I’m actually spending all my time on.

09/10/2019

How can you show a little more kindness and compassion today? (to yourself as well as to others) 💕
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06/10/2019

College freshmen don't always talk about their fears. Parents can be proactive and start some conversations to address some of the most common fears. https://t.co/2KFW8rjuUM

A recent article by Kelci Lynn Lucier on Thought.com about Conquering 13 Common College Freshmen Fears points out some of the insecurities many new college students feel. We recommend the article a…

05/10/2019

Sometimes kids just want to vent. They don’t necessarily want you to fix the situation, they just need to feel heard. https://yourteenmag.com/family-life/communication/best-parenting-advice Your Teen for Parents

Did someone ever give you advice that changed the way you parent? We the staff of Your Teen have collected the best parenting advice we ever received.

04/10/2019

What is the FERPA Waiver on the Common Application? ow.ly/3pkZ30pFdQo

What is FERPA? And should I waive FERPA rights to see letters of recommendation for college? We take a look at this important part of your college application.

03/10/2019

Feeling tired, stressed, or cranky? It’s a good time for the yoga asana “legs up the wall” (or, viparita karani).
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This is a restorative posture that is quite simple but so fantastic at relieving stress and quieting the mind. When you practice it for 10-15 minutes in combination with slow, rhythmic breathing, you’re tapping into the “rest and digest” response of your parasympathetic nervous system. This allows your heart rate to slow, your muscles to relax, and an increase in gastrointestinal activity. All of this promotes deeper relaxation. Give it a try!
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Find a bit of blank wall space, lie down, and wiggle your butt as close to the baseboard as possible. You might want to rest your hips and head on a folded blanket or pillow. Extend your legs upward and rest your heels on the wall. Extend your arms out like a T.
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Close your eyes. Focus on slowly and deeply breathing. Start out for five minutes, working your way up to 15 minutes after trying the pose several times. If your mind wanders, no biggie. Bring your focus back to your breath.
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