FALL RESILIENCE CHALLENGE: PRODUCTIVITY
Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.
When we align our time with our values, when our routines support rather than deplete us, we build more than a to-do list—we build resilience. This season’s Resilience Challenges help us do just that.
SEPTEMBER
Set The Tone
OCTOBER
Find Your Center
NOVEMBER
Plan With Intention
These small shifts go beyond better habits—they’re quiet acts of resilience that gently build our inner reserves, helping us stay grounded and emotionally strong through whatever life brings.
SMALL
STEPS. BIG SHIFTS. LET’S BEGIN!
Brought to you by our Gayle Berg Center for Resilience
SPOTLIGHT ON: SMARTTALKS
Leave feeling renewed, empowered, and ready to embrace life with confidence!
SmartTalks is your catalyst for personal growth—featuring inspiring voices who share real stories, practical tools, and powerful insights on resilience, emotional well-being, and purposeful living. These talks go beyond inspiration, offering tangible strategies you can carry into everyday life.
Making it an evening of connection, discovery, and impact, each event includes a curated vendor showcase with local resources, giveaways, raffles, and light refreshments.
THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL LIVING FEATURING BRIGITTE APOSTOLAKOS, NBC-HWC
Discover the power of intentional living—where daily habits become your superpower. You’ll be inspired, empowered, and gain practical tools to enhance sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindset, and learn how to transform stress into strength. The evening concludes with a guided breathwork meditation, leaving you centered, focused, and ready to live with purpose.
Wednesday, September 17
7-8:30pm
$18 members / $36 nonmembers
Brigitte Apostolakos, NBC-HWC
SEPTEMBER: SET THE TONE
HOW CAN I SET THE TONE FOR THE LIFE I WANT TO LIVE?
Resilience begins with how we show up. “Setting the Tone” helps us reclaim our mornings, reestablish structure, and reset our internal compass. As the loose rhythms of summer give way to the renewed pace of fall, this practice becomes more than a routine, it becomes an anchor. By defining priorities, creating intentional routines, and approaching each day with clarity and purpose, we shift from reactivity to intentionality—an essential foundation for sustainable productivity and emotional strength.
The small, deliberate choices we make early (and, later!) in the day ripple outward, strengthening our ability to navigate challenges, manage stress, and stay grounded in our goals.
READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE?
IT’S
AS SIMPLE AS ONE FOCUSED CHOICE AT A TIME!
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
LABOR DAY
Identify your top 3 priorities for the week
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE KICKOFF In SJJCC lobby, 10am-4pm
Identify what you won’t do today
516.484.1545 EXT. 231 LKORMAN@SJJCC.ORG SJJCC.ORG/RESILIENCE AND crucial for building us to prioritize maintain effectively focus on adapt to essential for setbacks. also prevents boundaries self-care, which regulation and Ultimately, these control and challenges composure.
Do one task standing instead of sitting
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING EBOOK COLLECTION
1 7 8 14 21 15 22 29 9 16 23 10
word
SID JACOBSON CENTER FOR
Say “no” to one thing that’s draining your energy
AT THE BRYANT LIBRARY
Scan the QR code below to access featured titles and up to 5,000 more!
List five things that give you energy, rather than take it
Access the free subscription using your Bryant Library card remotely, and in person at Sid Jacobson JCC or The Bryant Library.
Identify the time of day you feel most focused
Creating Time:
Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by Marney K. Makridakis Time Management and Goal Setting: The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, and Matthew McKay
Reset your sleep schedule —lights out 30 minutes earlier Find one thing you can simplify, and do it Who helps you stay on track? Thank them!
Meal plan one healthy lunch this week
Learning How to Say No When You Usually Say Yes: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Maritza Manresa
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
REEL PSYCHOLOGY 1-3:30pm
The
ROSH HASHANAH Schedule “white space”—protect a window of nothing
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE FOR SENIORS 1-2pm
ROSH Light scent
FEATURED TITLES AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR GAYLE BERG
LISA KORMAN, PSY.D. DIRECTOR
WELL-BEING E-BOOK COLLECTION AT THE BRYANT LIBRARY
Scan the QR code to access featured titles and up to 5,000 more! Access using your Bryant Library card remotely, or in person at Sid Jacobson JCC
Please visit page 14 for more
SET THE TONE
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Choose a word to guide your day
Write a “why” for what you are doing today
Begin again… let yesterday go
Set a boundary that defines your focus
MASTERING MINDFULNESS
4-5pm SMARTTALKS:
Tackle your hardest task first
Create a morning ritual that takes less than ten minutes
ROSH HASHANAH
The Power of Intentional Living 7-8:30pm KNOW & GROW 6:30-7:30pm CRAFT A MOMENT FOR SELF-CARE 2:30-3:30pm
Light a candle or diffuse a scent to signal “focus time”
Commit to a consistent wake-up time
Try a “power hour” of focused work with no distractions
Take a walk without your phone
Do something that your future self will thank you for 11 25 12 19 26 13 20 27 18 4 5 6
Visualize the version of you that feels on track
BERG MENTAL HEALTH LIBRARY
Access the free subscription JCC or The Bryant Library. our programs, including full descriptions!
The Mastery of Life by
Bosko Popovic
The Very Simple Law of Attraction: Find Out What You Really Want from Life by
Marie Diamond
OCTOBER: FIND YOUR CENTER
HOW CAN I FIND MY CENTER FOR THE LIFE I WANT TO LIVE?
Resilience isn’t just about pushing through. It’s about pausing, grounding, and reconnecting to what matters most.
“Finding your Center” invites us to slow down, reset our internal rhythm, and align our actions with our intentions—not just our to-do lists.
In the rush to stay productive, we often lose the clarity and calm that keep us grounded. By nurturing body awareness, emotional regulation, and mindful presence, we restore balance—so that even in moments of stress or unpredictability, we can respond with steadiness and strength.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—anchored from a centered place.
READY
TO MEET THE CHALLENGE? IT’S AS SIMPLE AS ONE GROUNDING CHOICE AT A TIME!
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
To register for these programs, visit sjjcc.org/resilience or scan the QR Code
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE KICKOFF In SJJCC lobby, 10am-4pm
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING EBOOK COLLECTION
1 7 14 21 28 6 13 20 27 5 12 19 26 8 15 22 29
SID JACOBSON CENTER FOR
516.484.1545 EXT. 231 LKORMAN@SJJCC.ORG SJJCC.ORG/RESILIENCE AND crucial for building us to prioritize maintain effectively focus on adapt to essential for setbacks. also prevents boundaries self-care, which regulation and Ultimately, these control and challenges composure.
Ground with breaths beginning MASTERING MINDFULNESS: Tapping The of Hold a warm mug and pause before you sip
RESILIENCE U FOR SENIORS: Meet the Challenge 1-2pm
MANAGEMENT
RESILIENCE
AT THE BRYANT LIBRARY
Scan the QR code below to access featured titles and up to 5,000 more!
Reconnect to your body with a simple five-minute stretch
Access the free subscription using your Bryant Library card remotely, and in person at Sid Jacobson JCC or The Bryant Library.
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED TITLES INCLUDE:
Make a “to-feel” list, instead of a “to-do” list Unplug for one hour and just be
Let silence be part of your day Light and one
DIWALI REEL PSYCHOLOGY 1-3:30pm RESILIENCE U FOR TEENS 5:30-7pm
Find your breath when you feel scattered carry
Creating Time: Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by Marney K. Makridakis
Time Management and Goal Setting: The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, and Matthew McKay
Return to a forgotten ritual that once centered you
Learning How to Say No When You Usually Say Yes: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Maritza Manresa
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
LISA KORMAN, PSY.D. DIRECTOR
Write a short mantra or affirmation to help you reset
Sit with a cup of tea, and do nothing else nature
TITLES AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR GAYLE BERG
Scan the QR code to access featured titles and up to 5,000 more! Access using your Bryant Library card remotely, or in person at Sid Jacobson JCC Please
YOUR CENTER
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Ground yourself with five slow breaths before beginning a task
MASTERING MINDFULNESS:
YOM KIPPUR
Put your hand on your heart and ask: How am I really doing?
Tapping (EFT), The Freedom of Letting Go 4-5pm KNOW & GROW 6:30-7:30pm
Light a candle and breathe with it for one minute
Choose a grounding object to carry with you
Take a nature walk with no destination
Take a screen break and look out the window
Do a regular daily task slowly—and notice what it feels like
De-clutter one small space—it changes more than your room
Write one sentence that reminds you of what matters
Step outside and notice the sounds of the season Say “no” to something, so you can say “yes” to yourself
CRAFT A MOMENT FOR SELF-CARE: 2:30-3:30pm
Create a “calm corner” in your home or workspace
BERG MENTAL HEALTH LIBRARY
Access the free subscription JCC or The Bryant Library.
Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love by Kate James our programs, including full descriptions! 2 3 4 9 16 23 30 10 17 24 31 11 18 25
Listen to music that helps you feel grounded
Spend ten minutes doing something creative—just for you
Choose presence over productivity, just for a moment
End the month with gratitude: What helped you feel most like you?
Do It for Yourself: Some Motivation by Tessa Forrest and Kara Cutruzzula
NOVEMBER: PLAN WITH INTENTION
HOW CAN I PLAN WITH INTENTION FOR THE LIFE I WANT TO LIVE?
Resilience isn’t just built in moments of adversity—it’s also cultivated through preparation. We thrive when we move through life with foresight rather than reaction. “Planning with Intention” helps us shift from overwhelm to empowerment by making space to reflect, prioritize, and prepare.
As the pace of life accelerates toward the end of the year, intentional planning becomes more than a task list—it becomes a form of self-care. By clarifying our values, setting realistic goals, and designing our days with purpose, we create the structure that supports emotional steadiness and sustainable, meaningful productivity.
This practice strengthens focus and decision-making, while reminding us that planning isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about shaping a life that feels manageable, fulfilling, and meaningful.
READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE? IT’S AS SIMPLE AS ONE INTENTIONAL CHOICE AT A TIME!
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
516.484.1545 EXT. 231 LKORMAN@SJJCC.ORG SJJCC.ORG/RESILIENCE AND crucial for building us to prioritize maintain effectively focus on adapt to essential for setbacks. also prevents boundaries self-care, which regulation and Ultimately, these control and challenges composure.
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE KICKOFF In SJJCC lobby, 10am-4pm
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
EBOOK COLLECTION
AT THE BRYANT LIBRARY
Map out your week with intention, not just obligation
Scan the QR code below to access featured titles and up to 5,000 more!
Access the free subscription using your Bryant Library card remotely, and in person at Sid Jacobson JCC or The Bryant Library.
Think ahead… what will help the upcoming holiday season feel most peaceful?
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED TITLES INCLUDE:
Creating Time:
Schedule one moment of pause before the holiday weekend
Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by Marney K. Makridakis
Time Management and Goal Setting: The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, and Matthew McKay
RESILIENCE U FOR TEENS 5:30-7pm 3 10 17 24 2 9 16 23 30 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26
Break one big task into three smaller tasks Use Sunday to plan, not just prep Prep your environment for the week you want to have Plan one act of kindness to weave into your week Make space for grace— plans shift, and that’s okay!
Learning How to Say No When You Usually Say Yes: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Maritza Manresa
RESILIENCE U FOR SENIORS: Meet the Challenge 1-2pm
VETERAN’S DAY
Choose one project to before the holiday season begins REEL PSYCHOLOGY 1pm
SID JACOBSON CENTER FOR
MANAGEMENT
RESILIENCE
Clear your mind by writing down everything circling around in it
FEATURED TITLES AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR GAYLE BERG
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT LISA KORMAN, PSY.D. DIRECTOR
WELL-BEING E-BOOK COLLECTION AT THE BRYANT LIBRARY
Scan the QR code to access featured titles and up to 5,000 more! Access using your Bryant Library card remotely, or in person at Sid Jacobson JCC
Please visit page 14 for
WITH INTENTION
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Take five minutes to map out your week
Schedule one thing you’ve been putting off
MASTERING MINDFULNESS: Rainbow Meditation for Inner Focus 4-5pm
Take three intentional breaths before your next task
De-clutter your digital life: remove unused folders and desktop shortcuts
KNOW & GROW
6:30-7:30pm
Don’t just plan your responsibilities, plan your energy!
CRAFT A MOMENT FOR SELF-CARE: 2:30-3:30pm
Build buffers into your day— most tasks take longer than you think
Look at your schedule and remove one non-essential item
Create a “not right now” list for distractions that can wait
Choose how you want to feel at Thanksgiving and plan from there
THANKSGIVING
Create a gratitude plan: how will you express thanks this year?
BERG MENTAL HEALTH LIBRARY
Access the free subscription JCC or The Bryant Library.
Leave “white space” —intentional empty time is still productive
Make a short list of people you want to connect with this season
Jot down a few dishes you might want to make or try this year 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 1
Revisit your goals—what still matters as the calendar year winds down?
our programs, including full descriptions!
Living a Purposeful Retirement by
Hyrum W. Smith
Guerrilla Time : More Time in Your Life, More Life in Your Time by Andrea Frausin, Jay Conrad Levinson, and John Grinder
FALL PROGRAM
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE KICKOFF
While the self-guided Resilience Challenge continues throughout the month we welcome you to stop by our lobby table, meet our caring team, and explore the Center for Resilience—your home for mindfulness, self-care, and programs designed to empower every individual to live their best life!
Tabling on
• Tuesday, September 2
• Monday, October 6
• Monday, November 3
10am-4pm
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE FOR SENIORS, 75+ YEARS
If you are seeking connection, insight, and a little inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!
Explore emotional well-being through meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and creative engagement.
Tuesdays, 1-2pm
• September 30 • December 16
• October 21 • January 20
• November 18
Five-part fall/winter series
Free to members / $75 nonmembers
MASTERING MINDFULNESS: THE DOING THAT COMES FROM BEING
Slow down. Reset. Reconnect with your inner compass in a space of stillness and ritual. We’ll explore embodied practices that renew focus and energy through the harmony of ancient wisdom and modern tools. Led by Amy Elias, MS.
Wednesdays, 4-5pm
• September 10, Yoga Nidra—The Power of Pause
• October 8, Tapping (EFT)—The Freedom of Letting Go
• November 12, Rainbow Meditation—The Beauty of Being
Three-part series
$75 members / $100 nonmembers
KNOW & GROW: HOW YOUR BRAIN GETS STUFF DONE
From finishing big projects to tackling that junk drawer, learn what helps your brain plan, prioritize, and follow through.
This eye-opening series opens with a personalized look at how you (and your brain) work, and closes with real-life strategies you can apply moving forward.
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
• September 18, Personalized Profile/Screening
• October 9, Your Brain’s Blueprint
• November 6, Strategies that Fit—Get Stuff Done, Your Way!
Three-part series
$75 members / $100 nonmembers
DESCRIPTIONS
REEL PSYCHOLOGY
Great films don’t just tell stories—they touch our hearts and remind us what it means to be human.
Join us for screenings filled with powerful stories, heartfelt conversation (and popcorn!) as we celebrate the strength and spirit we see on-screen, in ourselves, and each other.
Tuesdays, 1-3:30pm
• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
Free to members / $10 nonmembers
SMARTTALKS: THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL LIVING
Discover the power of intentional living with Brigitte Apostolakos, NBC-HWC—where daily habits become your superpower! You’ll be inspired, empowered, and gain practical tools to enhance sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindset, and learn how to transform stress into strength.
The evening concludes with a guided breathwork meditation, leaving you centered, focused, and ready to live with purpose.
Making it an evening of connection, discovery and impact, each event includes a curated vendor showcase with local resources, giveaways, raffles, and light refreshments.
Wednesday, September 17, 7-8:30pm
$18 members / $36 nonmembers
CRAFT A MOMENT FOR SELF-CARE
Sometimes self-care looks like slowing down, getting creative, and making something with your own hands. A place where reflection meets artistry, each activity offers a simple, meaningful project designed to help you pause, reconnect, and reset.
No experience needed. All materials included.
Thursdays, 2:30-3:30pm
• September 25, Pause and (Decoupage) Plate
• October 23, Diamond Dots
• November 20, Ready, Set, Journal
Three-part series
$20 members / $40 nonmembers
RESILIENCE U FOR TEENS
High school can be a lot—school pressure, social drama, family stuff, and figuring out who you are in the middle of it all. We give you space to take a breath, slow the scroll, and tap into real tools for real life!
Through creative activities, mindfulness, and honest conversations, learn how to handle stress, build confidence, feel more in control, and connect with what makes you, YOU.
Dinner served.
Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm
• October 21
• November 18
• December 16
Three-part series includes the Showcase Event in May 2026
$75 members / $100 nonmembers
Scholarships available
