About Janine Monico

Janine Monico is a digital marketing consultant who has managed the Healthy Minds Philly initiative website since 2015.

Recovery from Opioid Use: How John Did It

John, a 73-year-old man, lives a comfortable family life in one of Philly’s great neighborhoods. He is healthy, funny, loves the Eagles and Italian restaurants. His neighbors appreciate his willingness to help and love chatting with him when he walks his dog. But John didn’t always live this way. His long-healed injection scars tell the story of his recovery. “I started using heroin as a teenager in the 1960s,” John said. The high helped him avoid stressors. “I didn’t need to care about anything. It made me feel calm in [...]

2025-01-29T08:51:49-05:00January 23rd, 2025|Addiction & Recovery, Lived Experience|

A Journey to Well-being through Gardening

Daniel, a passionate gardener, knows about the healing power of gardening for the body and the soul. He started gardening when his kids were born. “[My wife] was big on making sure the kids ate healthy,” he said. He did not know at first that he was so good at it, but soon it became clear that Daniel had a green thumb. “I failed a few times. It was frustrating because I didn't know the things you can do to make something great.” So Daniel watched YouTube videos and asked [...]

2025-01-21T12:28:01-05:00January 17th, 2025|Mental Health, Self-Help|

Meditation Tips for Beginners

Meditation involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts. It can help with negative thoughts by redirecting or quieting them. Meditation is often used to cultivate mindfulness, awareness, and an overall sense of calm and well-being. Through regular practice, meditation can reduce stress, improve concentration, promote emotional health, and enhance self-awareness. Types of Meditation Transcendental meditation involves silently repeating an affirmation or mantra. Transcendental meditation mantras are always personal statements, such as “I am loved” or “I am calm.”  Repeating the mantra helps achieve a state of relaxed awareness, [...]

2025-01-10T15:26:40-05:00January 10th, 2025|Self-Help|

The Art and Benefits of Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is a timeless practice that offers a deep connection with the natural world. What is a nature journal? At its core, a nature journal is a personal notebook where you record your observations about nature through sketches and notes. Imagine it as a mix between a diary and a sketchbook, where you capture the beauty and details of the natural world around you. You can also write about your thoughts and feelings, making it a personal and reflective experience. Whether you’re exploring your backyard, a park, or a [...]

2024-07-18T12:31:11-04:00July 16th, 2024|Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|
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