Skip To Main Content

Syracuse Crunch

Syracuse Crunch

Mental Wellness Campaign

Mental Wellness Campaign

10/1/2024 12:00:00 PM

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Crunch, in conjunction with presenting partners AmeriCU Credit Union, ANOVA Marine Insurance, The Lobdell Family, Mar-Con Companies, New York State Office of Mental Health, Pinnacle Employee Services, Todd Ruetsch & Family and Upstate Medical University are continuing the team's mental wellness initiative aimed at having a strong and positive impact on the Syracuse community. The Crunch's Mental Wellness Campaign was originally launched in fall 2023.

"We understand the importance of mental wellness and taking care of yourself and realize not everyone has the information on how to do so," said Syracuse Crunch Owner Howard Dolgon. "We are proud to work with our local partners to help inform people of all ages on the wide variety of mental wellness resources available to them and how to assist others who may reach out for help."

The Crunch held a Mental Wellness Awareness game on Saturday, March 1, featuring information about mental wellness and resources. Additional information about the Mental Wellness Awareness game can be found here.
 
Mental Wellness Jersey

Six Pillars
Focus on these six pillars when considering your overall wellness (both body and mind).
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Sleep
  • Stress Management
  • Social Interactions
  • Substance Use
Self-Care
Self-care is key to maintaining good mental health. Not sure where to start? Try some of these activities.
  • Exercise 
  • Spend time in nature 
  • Start journaling
  • Practice deep breathing 
  • Take a hot or cold bath
  • Read a book
  • Spend time with a friend
  • Talk to a therapist
  • Do something new 
  • Clean or organize
  • Get a massage 
  • Play with a pet 
  • Meditate 
  • Do some art
  • Laugh
  • Practice gratitude 
Breathing Techniques
Your stress levels and breath are closely linked. When you're stressed or anxious, your breathing becomes more shallow and rapid. Deep breathing has an incredible calming effect. Taking time to bring awareness to your breath is one of the most effective ways to calm your body and mind. If you don't know any specialized breathing techniques, start by becoming aware of your breathing. Breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling fully – focusing on the feeling of your breath entering and exiting your body.

Other breathing techniques you can try include:
  • Diaphragmatic breathing (AKA belly breathing): a deep breathing method using the diaphragm
  • Breath focus: breathing while focusing on a word or phrase, such as "relax"
  • Lion's breath: a yoga breathing technique that involves inhaling deeply and exhaling with a long "haaa" sound
  • Equal breathing: inhaling and exhaling for the same length of time, normally to the count of three or five
  • Alternate nostril breathing: using your finger to close off one nostril, inhaling through the left, and exhaling through the right (alternate for at least five rounds)
Mental Wellness-Related Apps
Mental Wellness apps can help fill some gaps in conventional mental health resources. They can be a cost-effective, accessible and convenient way to start your mental wellness journey. Below are a few recommended mental wellness apps.  Reach Out
You're not alone. Seek help and support.
 
Find a health care professional
  • Ask your primary care provider for a referral.
  • Check with your insurance company for a list of covered providers.
  • Search for mental health providers in your area.
  • Use directories from professional associations, like the American Psychological Association.
Find support
  • Join a support group.
  • Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
Immediate assistance
  • If you need immediate medical assistance, dial 911.
  • Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 with "Got5"
Other resources can be found through the New York State Office of Mental Health at omh.ny.gov.

Four Agreements
Author Don Miguel Ruiz outlined the following code of conduct that can help improve one's life. 
  1. Be impeccable with your word.
  2. Don't take anything personally.
  3. Don't make assumptions.
  4. Always do your best.
Three Gates
Pay careful attention to your words – the way you talk to and about yourself and the way you talk to others. Consider having your words pass through the following three gates before you speak.
  • Is it true? Before speaking, ensure the words you are about to say are truthful and accurate.
  • Is it necessary? Consider if your words are truly needed or if they are merely idle chatter.
  • Is it kind? Ensure your words are compassionate and considerate.
 
              
 


Story Links

 

Single game tickets and ticket packages for the 2024-25 season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Crunch office located inside the Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial at 800 S. State St. in Syracuse, by calling the office at 315-473-4444 or online through Ticketmaster. For the latest Crunch news, visit www.syracusecrunch.com or follow the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch), Twitter (@SyracuseCrunch) and Instagram (@syracusecrunch).
Print Friendly Version