Revive Calendar was created during the CSC Online Design Lab, Fall 2021. This project was created by Reem and Eman.
The calendar format was chosen as a means to start conversations on mental health in an easy-to-use and daily option. Calendars are used by virtually everyone which makes it easier to combine mental health in the habits already formed. When using this calendar, you will find five journal prompts for each week, and five weekly positive affirmations.
Studies have proven that practicing daily positive affirmations leads to more happiness, optimism, and a clearer perspective on life. Positive affirmations help people to persistently keep their minds focused in the “goal zone” making it easier to stay motivated and achieve goals. These statements help influence one’s subconscious mind to access new beliefs and boost self confidence. Affirmations can be thought of as phrases that one wants to believe in to instill feelings of positivity while changing attitudes and thought patterns. On the other hand, mantras are known to originate from Hinduism and Buddhism; they are sounds or phrases that may or may not have a verbal meaning and are repeated to aid concentration in meditation or reach heightened states of awareness.
Studies have proven that writing about traumatic, stressful, or emotional experiences improves both physical and psychological health, in non-clinical and clinical populations. A simple activity of taking the time to get in touch with one’s mind, body and spirit may do wonders. Journaling not only helps one achieve goals and track progress and growth but also aids in gaining self confidence, regulating emotions, improving writing and communication skills, finding inspiration, strengthening memory, and unlocking right-brained creativity.
If unsure, different types of journaling options to consider and explore include stream of consciousness, dream journal, food journal, fitness journal, gratitude journal, sketch journal or day events journal. Apart from all these, it could even be just a simple to-do list! Crossing tasks off after completing them can help build a great sense of accomplishment for most people.
Emotional and mental health are a vital part of one’s life as they impact thoughts, behaviours and ultimately surrounding relationships. Being mentally and emotionally healthy promotes productivity and effectiveness in our daily tasks such as work, school or caregiving and helps to cope with some inevitable adversities of life.
Eman and Reem hope that more people learn about and experience the proven benefits of journaling and affirmations. Through this project, they aspire to eradicate the misconception in society that putting yourself first and self-care is selfishness. They hope that more people recognize the restorative power of taking the time out for one’s own wellbeing and understand that only they themselves have the responsibility for their own happiness.
About the creators:
Eman is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto studying towards an undergraduate degree in Mental Health Studies. Her strong passion for mental health advocacy drives her to indulge in a variety of volunteer experiences. She aspires to continue her education further through obtaining a Master’s in Social Work degree. Through this project, Eman not only wishes to encourage young adults to strive towards personal development but also desires to reduce the stigma around mental health and create hope for those affected by mental health conditions.
Reem holds her Honours bachelor’s in Psychology & Sociology from the University of Windsor, and a specialization in Addiction Counselling from Fanshawe College. She has worked in community engagement for over a decade empowering and mobilizing residents in advocating and breaking down stigma. Throughout her work, she developed a passion to make mental health education accessible and attainable for all ages.
They’re so excited for you to try it!! Let them know what you think:
Contact Reem & Eman at: revivecalendar22@gmail.com
References
Baikie, K. A., & Wilhelm, K. (2018). Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing: Advances in psychiatric treatment. Cambridge Core. Retrieved January 16, 2022, from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/emotional-and-physical-health-benefits-of-expressive-writing/ED2976A61F5DE56B46F07A1CE9EA9F9F
Emanuel, A. S., Howell, J. L., & Taber, J. M. (2016). Spontaneous self-affirmation is associated with psychological well-being: Evidence from a US national adult survey sample. Journal of health psychology. Retrieved January 16, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27160152
