The New Self-Care
What does your new self-care look like these days? How are you making time for yourself? In the last few weeks, most of us have been feeling different emotions because of COVID-19. Your kids may be feeling angry, frustrated, sad or anxious. You may be looking for ways to help them process those thoughts and feelings. You may need an outlet to process your own thoughts and feelings and help you recharge.
Here are some idea starters and exercises to help practice self-care while you’re at home.
Why not incorporate a way to keep moving while watching your favorite program? Download our sheet of exercises (with pictures). During commercial breaks (or between episodes streaming), each person picks an exercise and everyone completes it until the TV program comes back on. At the next set of commercials, pick a new exercise.
The Benefits of Exercise in the Midst of a Global Pandemic
Exercise can be a healthy way to help when kids feel sad, stressed or overwhelmed at times. It’s especially relevant now in the midst of a global pandemic. Research shows that participating in aerobic activity can improve mood, boost confidence and self-image, and relieve stress.
Mental Fitness During a Pandemic
In this episode of PediaCast, Dr. Mike shares practical mental fitness tips to help you weather this storm.
Draw an anchor and/or a butterfly to connect to your feelings using art, writing and mindfulness practices. The best part - no experience is necessary! Use this step-by-step video to take you through the painting process from start to finish. Work at your own pace and have fun!
Videos
Stress can be good or bad, but can take a toll on our body either way. If we can find ways to work self-care into our daily schedule, we can get to the point where we are functioning at our best. Behavioral health expert Gina McDowell has three tips for incorporating self-care into your routine.
Our nurse educator, Sarah Quint, takes you through a relaxing, deep belly breathing exercise to help cope with stress. It's called diaphragmatic breathing. You can do this exercise anytime and anywhere to relax. Try it and let us know how you feel!
Most of us are able to find ways to show others that we care, but what are we doing for ourselves on a regular basis? Here are some ideas for you.
The Mental Health Benefits to Journaling
Journaling is an incredible skill for young people to develop that can have long-lasting effects on their lives. It helps kids positively express their emotions while improving their mental health, confidence and resilience. Our behavioral health expert Gina McDowell explains why you might want to pick up a pen and paper and model this behavior with your children.
Art therapy is a form of therapy that encourages creativity and self-expression as ways to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, increase awareness and help remedy trauma. You don't have to be an artist to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. Here's a project, put together by our art therapists, that you can do at home with your children.
At Home Relaxation Technique: Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices have gained in popularity. Research indicates they can significantly improve your mental health. Our nurse educator, Sarah Quint, gives us one example to try at home.
Additional Calming Tools For Young Kids
Our behavioral health experts have put together this list of their favorite calming tools for younger kids.
- Deep breathing, soothing music and meditation for kids. Listen Now ›
- Mindfulness for young kids. Watch Now ›
- Mindfulness and meditation for children of all ages. Learn More ›
- List of simple and fun family activities and relaxation practices. Learn More ›
- Yoga and mindfulness for kids. Learn More ›
- Headspace App: Includes meditation and mindfulness for kids of all ages. Download Now ›