Assingments % - mental and physical health

IMPORTANT: This weekly assignment is open Friday-Sunday (due date) only. During weeks with special due dates, see posting of open days/dates.
The focus of this Relational Communication Journal [5 points each] will be on your mental and physical health. How we feel both mentally and physically will affect our interactions with everyone around us, especially those who we consider significant others (family, friends, partner, spouse, etc.). So it is important to say in touch with how we are feeling both mentally and physically. The information posted in this Journal assignment is confidential. That said, please do not reveal anything you feel is none of the Professor’s darn business! The purpose of this assignment is to “try to provide an understanding of the multiple influences, such as culture, family, work, and politics, on your behaviors.” (Geist-Martin et al., p. 17).
Assignment Requirements:
This assignment requires that you speak in first-person, that is, use “I” and “me.”
Entry should be in proper paragraph format.
The content of your paragraph should be clearly connected to the prompt.
Do not include the prompt/questions in your post.
Spelling and grammar count, so proofread before you post!
Entry should be at least 250 words total.
Posting Your Journal Entry: Type or copy/paste your assignment into the text box. Make sure you “submit” your post! Each week you will address the following prompt:
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your mental and physical health right now/this week? Explain the number you have picked to represent your mental and physical health [i.e. “I am at a 7/10 this week because I…”]
Describe one behavior you engaged in this week that you believe contributes to or detracts from your health (e.g., taking or not taking vitamins, any form of exercise or sedentary activities, smoking, meditating, eating particular foods, feeling anxious or sad or depressed).
Explain why you do this behavior and how you believe it contributes to or detracts from your health.
Describe how communication was part of engaging in this behavior today (e.g., retelling the behavior to a friend or healthcare provider, talking with someone while engaging in the behavior, sharing your experiences with someone who also engages in the behavior). That is, how and who did you talk to about your week/behaviors?
Describe how you might ensure continuing this healthy behavior or reducing/eliminating this unhealthy behavior.
Relational Communication Journal [5 points] Before Posting the Assignment:Read and follow the instructions provided in the “RCJ Requirements [READ]”.
Do not put assignment questions into your assignment.
Spelling and grammar count, so proofread before you post.
Review each paragraph and make sure you have met all the requirements.
Posting the Assignment: Type or copy and paste your assignment into the submission text box.
Click on the Submit link.
Be sure and submit your assignment before the 11:59 pm deadline. Assignments sent via e-mail or Inbox [Canvas] or posted in “Comments” will not be accepted for credit.
Relax for a few minutes and bask in the glow of your genius.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Assignment

This Relational Communication Journal is designed to help you reflect on how your mental and physical health influences your interactions with others. You will explore your behaviors, analyze their effects, and discuss how communication plays a role.

Step 2: Follow the Assignment Requirements

Ensure your response meets these key criteria:

Write in first-person (use “I” and “me”).
Use proper paragraph format—avoid lists or bullet points.
Clearly connect your response to the provided prompt.
Do not include the prompt/questions in your response.
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
Write at least 250 words.

Step 3: Structure Your Journal Entry

Use the following step-by-step approach to organize your response effectively:

Paragraph 1: Self-Assessment of Mental & Physical Health

Begin by rating your mental and physical health on a scale of 1-10.
Explain why you chose this rating. Be specific about what influenced your mental and physical state this week (e.g., stress, exercise, diet, sleep).

Paragraph 2: Discuss a Specific Behavior

Identify one behavior you engaged in this week that contributed to or detracted from your health.
Give details about the behavior (e.g., “I went to the gym three times” or “I skipped meals due to stress”).

Paragraph 3: Explain the Impact of the Behavior

Discuss why you engaged in this behavior.
Analyze how it affects your mental and physical health, either positively or negatively.

Paragraph 4: The Role of Communication

Describe how communication was involved in this behavior.
Explain who you talked to about this behavior and in what context (e.g., “I told my friend about my new workout routine” or “I spoke to my doctor about my anxiety”).

Paragraph 5: Plan for Improvement or Continuation

If the behavior is healthy, describe how you will continue it.
If the behavior is unhealthy, discuss a plan to reduce or eliminate it.

Step 4: Proofread and Submit

Before submitting your journal entry:

Read through your response to check for clarity and coherence.
Correct spelling and grammar errors.
Ensure that each paragraph meets the assignment criteria.

Step 5: Submit Your Assignment

Copy and paste your journal entry into the text box.
Click the Submit link.
Ensure it is submitted before the 11:59 PM deadline—late submissions will not be accepted.

Final Step: Relax and Celebrate!

Once you’ve submitted your assignment, take a moment to appreciate your effort and the insights you’ve gained. Keep up the great work!