Harbor Insights - August 2024
Article By: Danielle Maske
Executive Director, Safe Harbor Coronado
Hi! It’s that wonderful time of year. Getting ready to say farewell to summer and embrace all the exciting opportunities of the new school year. Safe Harbor’s Colors of Compassion campaign views the year through the lens of color, so let’s reflect on healthy habits for the back-to-school season with that in mind. This perspective offers a vivid framework for establishing a balanced and successful year. Each color symbolizes different aspects of well-being, offering a creative way to set goals and maintain a positive mindset.
Green: Nourish and Refresh
Green evokes feelings of growth, renewal, and vitality. This color reminds us to focus on nourishing our bodies with healthy foods and water. Emphasize incorporating plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and water into your diet. These choices not only support physical health but also enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. Just as green symbolizes the vitality of nature, a balanced diet supports a refreshed and invigorated state of mind. By prioritizing nutritional habits, you set yourself up for sustained energy and better concentration throughout the school day. Perhaps volunteer with your child in their school garden, Emerald Keepers has an incredible garden plot onsite!
Red: Energize and Stay Active
Red is a color brimming with energy and vitality. As the school year begins, red can inspire you to focus on maintaining physical activity. Regular exercise is crucial for keeping both body and mind sharp. Incorporate activities like sports, dancing, or even a daily walk to stay energized. Just as red commands attention and vibrates with intensity, being physically active helps you stay alert and engaged in your studies. This energy can translate into a more proactive approach to your academic and extracurricular commitments, boosting both performance and mood. Set a goal, like to run the Rady’s Turkey Trot in November or make it to more yoga classes.
Blue: Calm and Focus
Blue is often associated with tranquility and clarity. It symbolizes calmness, which is essential for managing the stress that can come with school demands. Create a serene study environment that promotes focus and minimizes distractions. Incorporate elements of blue in your workspace—such as blue notebooks or desk organizers—to enhance your concentration and create a calming atmosphere. Additionally, embrace techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation to maintain emotional balance. Just as blue evokes a sense of peace, these practices help you stay centered and manage stress effectively, contributing to a more balanced and productive academic experience. We’re lucky to live in Coronado, a walk on the beach is a few steps away offering the relaxing sounds of the ocean to help refocus and calm your mind.
Yellow: Stay Positive and Bright
Yellow is the color of optimism and creativity. It represents a bright and cheerful outlook, which is essential for navigating the school year with a positive attitude. Embrace a mindset that welcomes challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with motivational influences—be it through bright yellow accessories, inspiring quotes, or supportive friends and mentors. Let your natural creativity shine through in your assignments and projects. Just as yellow has the power to lift spirits and energize, a positive attitude can transform your academic journey into a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Grab a fun notebook at Seaside Papery and fill it with all of the wonders your life has to offer. Practicing gratitude leads to positivity because it helps shift your focus from what’s lacking or negative to what is good and fulfilling.
Purple: Balance and Self-Care
Purple symbolizes balance and self-care. As you dive into the school year, it’s vital to find equilibrium between academic responsibilities and personal well-being. Allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed. Embrace activities that bring you joy and help you unwind, whether it’s reading, crafting, or spending time with loved ones. Just as purple represents a harmonious blend of red and blue, finding a balance between work and relaxation ensures a healthier, more enjoyable school experience.
By connecting these colors—red, green, blue, yellow, and purple—to your back-to-school routine, you create a vibrant framework for establishing and maintaining healthy habits. Embracing these colorful reminders can help you cultivate a positive, balanced approach to both your studies and personal growth, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.