Self-Care Tips&Tools Introduces the Consumer’s Guide to Mental Wellness

Stephanie McClaskey 

January 27, 2023 

Have you ever wondered if what you are consuming is impacting your mental health? Studies have shown that diet plays a significant role in a person’s mood and overall mental wellness, but what about the various other types of consumption? Does information obtained from reading, watching tv shows and movies, the music listened to, and the views of those around you also impact mental wellness? The fourth and final season of the award-winning self-care podcast, Self-Care Tips&Tools, will dive into the impact consumption plays in mental illness.

Harbinger Student Media (HSM), Illinois Central College’s (ICC) student-led news organization, released the introductory episode of this new topic on Wednesday, January 25. In this episode, topics of previous seasons were mentioned. All seasons are available on Soundcloud by Harbingercast.

Season one brought in experts from the surrounding communities to weigh in on topics such as the benefits of reiki and yoga, the impact of COVID-19 from the perspective of a first responder nurse and an interview with ICC Counselor, Thomas Payne-Brewer, who offers suggestions to aid listeners on their journey to self-care. 

“When it comes to self-care, the bubble bath and reading a book by candlelight; that can be part of it, but that’s not all there is to self-care. We are not machines for productivity. You need to be getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and getting exercise,” Payne-Brewer stated in episode three season one. 

During season two, the podcast presented many tools for improving overall wellness including stress management, decluttering to clear energy, mental wellness awareness, boosting self-esteem and the final episode including an interview with a fellow student who shared their experiences with self-care and how that brought them to ICC to study mental health. 

Season three took this knowledge to the community, exploring several self-care events, on what was known as the Self-Care Tips&Tools Tour. One episode touched on art and its impact on mental wellness, another offered education on meditation. The Soul Restoration episode offered more about giving and receiving reiki. While attending a drum circle, Self-Care Tips&Tools shared the impact of music on mental wellness. In the final episode, Julie Sellner provided a  tour of her non-for-profit counseling facility, Mended Hearts of Metamora, IL., giving insight on her journey to providing Central Illinois with Animal-Assisted Therapy. The episode also shared the impact animals have on mental health and the role that played in psychology throughout history. 

“Everybody that works here, we’re not here for the money, because we’re a small non-for-profit. We’re here because we believe in what we do for the community,” Sellner said. 

In season four, HSM will explore dietary and nutritional roles in mental wellness. There will be a look into the social aspect and how society impacts what is consumed and how. The podcast will present research to support healthier alternatives. The focus will then flow into more non-conventional ways of consumption including, what is watched, read, listened to and the views and opinions of those within the personal circle and how that plays a role in their overall wellness. The final season will also address triggers and red flags and tools to put into practice to improve mental and physical and emotional health. 

New episodes are available weekly. Episode two will focus on food for mood. It is set to be released Wednesday, February 1.