Conference Highlights

Over the past two weeks, team members have been representing the Ruvvy Resilience Lab at research conferences across the country!  

Dr. Ruvvy traveled to Pittsburgh, PA to give a talk at the Developmental Affective Neuroscience Symposium. She also accompanied lab members Miracle Craft and Luis Garcia Lopez to the International Society for Developmental Psychobiology annual meeting in San Diego, CA. 

Why Conferences Matter

Research conferences are opportunities for scientists and clinicians to share what they are learning with one another. Conferences are also a chance for trainees to meet with scholars at different universities and institutions.

For example, Miracle and Luis met with people who could be their future graduate advisors or colleagues! Dr. Ruvvy also met with people conducting similar research across the country as our lab, so that our lab can work with other groups to have a broader impact on the youth we aim to serve. 

So what did we learn? 

At both conferences, a common theme was the role of unpredictability in shaping how stress and adversity influences mental health.  

Even when there are unpredictable circumstances outside of our control, we can introduce structure and routine to support positive mental health!

Here’s how: 

For Caregivers

• Provide structure to the day. This includes set periods of time for meals and homework, as well as working with your child to come up with a bedtime routine that helps you both bond and unwind. 

• Keep communication open. Teenagers especially may be navigating vulnerable periods of development and can benefit from supportive adults who can share skills for managing stress. Set aside time each day to talk to the young person in your life about challenges and new experiences.  

For young people

• If you are moving, switching schools, or joining a new organization, ask a friend or family member to accompany you to visit your new space before you move, start the new school, or attend your first meeting/activity, so you can feel confident and comfortable in your new environment  

Develop healthy routines: 

• Eat a nutritious breakfast each morning to stay full and focused throughout the day 

• Have a plan for homework—find a place to do your homework or study at a regular, structured time each day 

• Develop a comforting sleep routine—create a nightly routine at the same time each evening to mentally and physically prepare for bedtime. Put electronics away one hour before bedtime, hydrate, and read a story or engage in other behaviors that help you unwind, like meditation.

You can listen to our guided exercises for relaxation here on our YouTube channel:  

Staying Resilient!

These strategies can help you benefit NOW from emerging scientific research and stay resilient! If you try any of these strategies, reply to this email and let us know how it goes.  

The Greenhouse of the Mind:

Resources to Help You Bloom

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