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Best Of
Re: October achievements!
Happy November everyone!!!
For me I'd say getting through the first proper month back at uni in one piece and having a rather productive month (although I will admit I'm tired with all my assignments).
No matter how big or small you're October achievements are, you should all be super proud of what you have accomplished
Sending lots of hugs
Sinead
For me I'd say getting through the first proper month back at uni in one piece and having a rather productive month (although I will admit I'm tired with all my assignments).
No matter how big or small you're October achievements are, you should all be super proud of what you have accomplished
Sending lots of hugs
Sinead

How to make a self-care toolkit - tips from The Mix ✨
How to make a self-care toolkit 🌻📚🎨🕯
Inspired by our young volunteer, we have put together the ultimate guide to help us face difficult emotions, such as loneliness and anxiety.
Tell us what you'd put in your self-care toolkit below or share this thread with a friend who it may help 💙










You can also view the post over on our Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/themixuk
Image descriptions in the spoiler below:
Inspired by our young volunteer, we have put together the ultimate guide to help us face difficult emotions, such as loneliness and anxiety.
Tell us what you'd put in your self-care toolkit below or share this thread with a friend who it may help 💙










You can also view the post over on our Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/themixuk
Image descriptions in the spoiler below:
Image 1:
The heading of the image reads, 'How to make a self-care toolkit'. Below this, the sub-heading of the image reads, 'Inspired by a young volunteer'. To the right of the sub-heading, there is an illustration of a self-care toolkit in the form of a box with The Mix logo on the front, filled with items such as a candle, two colouring pencils, two books, a flower, hot water bottle, and sensory toy. In the background, there are illustrations of clouds and a sun.
Image 2:
The image has a title that reads, 'What is a self-care toolkit?' Below this, there is text that reads, 'Exactly what it sounds like! A self-care toolkit is a box of games, comfort items and toys that will help alleviate difficult emotions, such as loneliness, anxiety, depression or disassociation.' There are illustrations of sensory toys and a flower. The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 3:
The image has a title that reads, 'How do I make a self-care toolkit?'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'If you're crafty, you can decorate a cardboard box, or just use a tote bag. Make a big box to keep in your room, and a grab sized one that is small enough to carry in your bag/pockets. It should be chock-full of bits and bobs that will put a smile on your face. Personalise it to your individual needs.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 4:
The image has a title that reads, 'What do I put in my self-care toolkit?'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Include stuff that will soothe, stimulate or ground you. If you struggle with feeling numb, you could have lots of grounding items. If you get anxious, you could have some soothing stuff too. If your mood gets really low, you could have a few things that you find sensorily stimulating as well.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 5:
The image has a title that reads, 'Ideas for your self-care toolkit'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Touch: Slime, putty, stress ball, squashies, beanie toys, fidget toys, fluffy toys, bendy or tactile key chains, marbles. Taste: Sour candy, marshmallow treats, mints, gum. Smell: Scented hand cream, candles, body spray, essential oils, potpourri. Sound: Music box, foil, bell, tambourine, saltshaker. Sight: Fairy lights, Christmas decorations, bubbles, glitter, marbles, costume jewellery, beads, etch-a-sketch, crayons, colouring book, pictures of loved ones.'
Image 6:
The image has a title that reads, 'Ideas for a portable self-care toolkit'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Strongly scented lip balm - you could dig out a peppermint lip balm if you like the tingling sensation. Fluffy key chain - A mini fluffy pom pom key chain is soft and soothing. Marble key chain - A smooth glass marble key chain is always cold and reflects light which you might find visually stimulating. Mini notebook - You can write down little things that you're grateful for, or made you smile during the day.'
Image 7:
The image has a title that reads, 'Top tips for making a self-care toolkit'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Top tip: Promise you won't laugh? Ok good. A weird but affordable way to get your hands on stimulating stuff, if you don't have it at home, is to buy baby toys. Baby toys are cheaper and more widely available than specially made sensory toys.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 8:
The image has text that reads, 'If you struggle to make decisions, scribble down all the things you want to do on a piece of paper, tear it up and put the scraps in a jar. It's sort of like a lucky dip. Pop this jar in your self-care toolkit so you can refer to it when you get overwhelmed with options.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 9:
The image has text that reads, 'Top tip: You know those naff Christmas cracker presents you always chuck away by Boxing Day? Hang on to them. Christmas crackers often have mini tactile games and nostalgic dad jokes that you might just be thankful for next time you're under-stimulated.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 10:
The image has a title that reads, 'Looking for more self-care tips?'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Head to themix.org.uk/mental-health/looking-after-yourself.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
The heading of the image reads, 'How to make a self-care toolkit'. Below this, the sub-heading of the image reads, 'Inspired by a young volunteer'. To the right of the sub-heading, there is an illustration of a self-care toolkit in the form of a box with The Mix logo on the front, filled with items such as a candle, two colouring pencils, two books, a flower, hot water bottle, and sensory toy. In the background, there are illustrations of clouds and a sun.
Image 2:
The image has a title that reads, 'What is a self-care toolkit?' Below this, there is text that reads, 'Exactly what it sounds like! A self-care toolkit is a box of games, comfort items and toys that will help alleviate difficult emotions, such as loneliness, anxiety, depression or disassociation.' There are illustrations of sensory toys and a flower. The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 3:
The image has a title that reads, 'How do I make a self-care toolkit?'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'If you're crafty, you can decorate a cardboard box, or just use a tote bag. Make a big box to keep in your room, and a grab sized one that is small enough to carry in your bag/pockets. It should be chock-full of bits and bobs that will put a smile on your face. Personalise it to your individual needs.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 4:
The image has a title that reads, 'What do I put in my self-care toolkit?'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Include stuff that will soothe, stimulate or ground you. If you struggle with feeling numb, you could have lots of grounding items. If you get anxious, you could have some soothing stuff too. If your mood gets really low, you could have a few things that you find sensorily stimulating as well.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 5:
The image has a title that reads, 'Ideas for your self-care toolkit'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Touch: Slime, putty, stress ball, squashies, beanie toys, fidget toys, fluffy toys, bendy or tactile key chains, marbles. Taste: Sour candy, marshmallow treats, mints, gum. Smell: Scented hand cream, candles, body spray, essential oils, potpourri. Sound: Music box, foil, bell, tambourine, saltshaker. Sight: Fairy lights, Christmas decorations, bubbles, glitter, marbles, costume jewellery, beads, etch-a-sketch, crayons, colouring book, pictures of loved ones.'
Image 6:
The image has a title that reads, 'Ideas for a portable self-care toolkit'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Strongly scented lip balm - you could dig out a peppermint lip balm if you like the tingling sensation. Fluffy key chain - A mini fluffy pom pom key chain is soft and soothing. Marble key chain - A smooth glass marble key chain is always cold and reflects light which you might find visually stimulating. Mini notebook - You can write down little things that you're grateful for, or made you smile during the day.'
Image 7:
The image has a title that reads, 'Top tips for making a self-care toolkit'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Top tip: Promise you won't laugh? Ok good. A weird but affordable way to get your hands on stimulating stuff, if you don't have it at home, is to buy baby toys. Baby toys are cheaper and more widely available than specially made sensory toys.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 8:
The image has text that reads, 'If you struggle to make decisions, scribble down all the things you want to do on a piece of paper, tear it up and put the scraps in a jar. It's sort of like a lucky dip. Pop this jar in your self-care toolkit so you can refer to it when you get overwhelmed with options.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 9:
The image has text that reads, 'Top tip: You know those naff Christmas cracker presents you always chuck away by Boxing Day? Hang on to them. Christmas crackers often have mini tactile games and nostalgic dad jokes that you might just be thankful for next time you're under-stimulated.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.
Image 10:
The image has a title that reads, 'Looking for more self-care tips?'. Below this, there is text that reads, 'Head to themix.org.uk/mental-health/looking-after-yourself.' The Mix logo sits in the bottom centre of the image.

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October achievements!
Hi everyone! How fast time flies... it's already the first of November! It's crazy to think that 2023 will end soon. As I've been doing, I thought it would be great to reflect on what we have achieved for this month, as I think celebrating our accomplishments, no matter how big or small, can contribute to greater mental wellbeing! You can write as many achievements as you want! 
Here are my achievements:
- I'm thankful that I achieved a first as my overall grade in my second year of uni
- I'm proud of myself for completing a full month of Inktober - a drawing challenge throughout October where you create an ink drawing everyday which relates to the daily prompts and share it on social media! I surprised myself for drawing a little each day and staying consistent with my art progress!
- I'm happy that I'm able to carry out a full EEG (electroencephalography) testing session without needing any help from the PhD student who trained me! I feel really confident with the procedures and I'm really looking forward to testing participants soon!
I'm proud of you all, wishing everyone a great November!


Here are my achievements:
- I'm thankful that I achieved a first as my overall grade in my second year of uni
- I'm proud of myself for completing a full month of Inktober - a drawing challenge throughout October where you create an ink drawing everyday which relates to the daily prompts and share it on social media! I surprised myself for drawing a little each day and staying consistent with my art progress!
- I'm happy that I'm able to carry out a full EEG (electroencephalography) testing session without needing any help from the PhD student who trained me! I feel really confident with the procedures and I'm really looking forward to testing participants soon!
I'm proud of you all, wishing everyone a great November!



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Re: What are you proud of from this week?
'Spinning all the plates without smashing any' - that counts, right?! 

Re: Post of The Month - Spooky Month!
Didn't even see this! Thankyou to whoever nominated me 💕

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Key Terms and There definitions
Thought it would be useful to have a little handy guide of some key terms and common diagnose you may come across when speaking about neurodiversity and there definitions - This is actually something that I’ve pulled out a recent guide that my university disability service wrote 
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
Neurdiverse
Dyslexia
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Dyscalculia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
SpLD is an umbrella term incorporating Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia among others. Closely associated with SpLD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Neurdiverse
The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities.
Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways.A person whose brain ‘diverges’ from the majority can be described as neurodivergent (see also: ‘Neurotypical’). Neurodivergence can be genetic, the result of a brain-altering experience, or a combination of the two.
Neurodivergent conditions often come with pronounced strengths. However, there will typically also be areas where neurodivergent individuals struggle.
Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways.A person whose brain ‘diverges’ from the majority can be described as neurodivergent (see also: ‘Neurotypical’). Neurodivergence can be genetic, the result of a brain-altering experience, or a combination of the two.
Neurodivergent conditions often come with pronounced strengths. However, there will typically also be areas where neurodivergent individuals struggle.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia primarily affects the skills involved in accurate reading and spelling. Typical difficulties include phonological processing, working and short-term memory, visual processing, reading speed and comprehension, concentration and personal organisation – the pattern of difficulties varies widely between individuals. Dyslexia occurs across a range of abilities and is best thought of as a continuum with no distinct cut-off points. It is persistent and lifelong but individuals will often develop a range of skills and coping strategies.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
DCD, also known as Dyspraxia in the UK, is a common disorder affecting fine or gross motor coordination in children and adults. DCD is distinct from other motor disorders such as cerebral palsy and stroke and occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. Individuals may vary in how their difficulties present; these may change over time depending on environmental demands and life experience. An individual’s co-ordination difficulties may affect participation and functioning of everyday life skills in education, work and employment.
There may be a range of co-occurring difficulties which can also have serious negative impacts on daily life. These include social and emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, planning and personal organisation and these may also affect an adult’s education or employment experiences.
There may be a range of co-occurring difficulties which can also have serious negative impacts on daily life. These include social and emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, planning and personal organisation and these may also affect an adult’s education or employment experiences.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities. Mathematics difficulties are best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and they have many causal factors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD presents as inattentive/impulsive or as a combined type with qualities of both. In most cases people with this disorder are often ‘off task’, have particular difficulty commencing and switching tasks, together with a very short attention span and high levels of distractibility. They may fail to make effective use of the feedback they receive and have difficulties taking in information by listening.
Those with hyperactivity may act impulsively and erratically, have difficulty foreseeing outcomes, fail to plan ahead and be noticeably restless and fidgety.
Those with hyperactivity may act impulsively and erratically, have difficulty foreseeing outcomes, fail to plan ahead and be noticeably restless and fidgety.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

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