Ten Tools for Resiliency

May 10, 2023

Check out these 10 tools for resiliency that can help make you feel stronger and more hopeful.

1. Connect with others

Social connections with friends or family can help you feel supported, valued and connected. If you feel like you need more social connections in your life, consider enrolling in a class or joining a hobby group that interests you.

2. Stay positive

Practicing positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible. Consider keeping a gratitude journal to help you focus on the little things each day that make you smile or feel good.

3. Get physically active

Exercise benefits your body and your brain! While it can be hard to stick to an exercise regime, there are plenty of benefits from exercising in 10-minute spurts too! Try to set aside 10 minutes each day to be active – whether it’s playing with your kids, walking around the block or dancing like nobody is watching!

4. Help others

Doing good can make you feel good! Luckily for us, every day we come to work at Catholic Charites we are helping others. We can keep those good feelings flowing by helping others in small ways like checking in on a friend or holding the door for the person behind you.

5. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital to your well-being. Some tips for helping you sleep better are to set a regular bedtime and avoiding caffeine starting 6 hours before bedtime.

6. Create joy and satisfaction

Everybody deserves some joy in their lives! It’s important to make time for you to do things that bring you joy. So go out and laugh with your friends or hike a trail or learn to knit!

7. Eat well

Eating well can help you be more productive! That doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite treats though. It’s all about balance. Some ways you can improve your eating habits are swapping out sugary treats for healthy snacks during the day or eating smaller portions. Remember, try eating to be fit – not to fit into a certain pair of jeans. Avoid skipping meals or extreme diets.

8. Take care of your spirit

You can think of spirituality as connecting to whatever you consider meaningful and holy. You can find it in God, in yourself, in other people, in nature, art, or kindness. Whatever you focus on, spirituality can offer a sense of meaning and purpose and a greater connection with others or the world around us.

9. Deal better with hard times

Coping skills can help you during tough times. Some techniques include keeping a journal and asking someone you trust for emotional support.

10. Get professional help if you need it

If the problems in your life are stopping you from feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. You are not alone: 1 in 4 adults in the United States have a mental health problem in any given year. Some people worry that getting help is a sign of weakness. If you do, consider that it can be a sign of great strength to take steps toward getting your life back on track.


Resources:

https://mhanational.org/ten-tools

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Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

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By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.