Second Nature Wilderness Family Therapy ’s Post

🌟 Mindful Monday 🌟 Start the week with calm and clarity by introducing mindfulness practices to your kids. Here are a few simple activities to get you started: Breathing Exercises: Teach your child to take deep breaths by pretending to blow up a balloon. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth. Gratitude Journaling: Encourage your child to write down or draw three things they are grateful for each day. This helps foster a positive mindset. Nature Walks: Take a walk outside and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells. Encourage your child to describe what they notice, fostering presence and awareness. Mindfulness can help children manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. Let's create a mindful and peaceful week ahead! 🌈🧘♀️ #MindfulMonday #ParentingTips #AbsoluteParenting

📢It's back!!🥳 🤔How often are you physically present but your mind is elsewhere? ⏳Particularly at this time of year it can feel like there's steady stream of end of year activities & 'to do's' coming your way. 🤨You want to take time out & be with your kids but even when you do, whilst physically you're there, your mind is racing ahead to the next thing & again & again those moments slip by. 💞Mindfulness is the practice of being in the moment. Far from being 'wu wu' it's a practical tool which has been proven to help you not only enjoy those moments but also manage difficult emotions like stress & overwhelm, improving both mental & physical health. 💡If you're interested in finding out how mindfulness could help you, Take 2: an introduction to mindfulness for busy parents is back! Starting in September this 6 week course will help you: 💡explore what mindfulness is 💡explore the links between how we feel physically & emotionally 💡learn ways of responding differently when we’re stressed or overwhelmed 💡learn simple yet effective techniques to help you worry less, sleep better & keep your cool whatever parenting throws at you! As one attendee put it: "The course has been a game changer"💞 To reserve your space before the early bird ends on July 17th drop an emoji below & I'll send you the link to book or head to my bio😃📩 #mindfulness #wellbeingfirst #wellbeing #mindfulnessformums #mindfulparenting

When children or parents come to learn about mindfulness, one activity I always recommend is creating a 'happiness jar'. How to create a happiness jar? Choose a bottle, decorate it, and ask children to write every day about what made them happy and put it inside. It’s a practice that will help to, Promote Positivity: Focusing on happy moments encourages a positive mindset and helps children recognize the good in their daily lives. Enhance Gratitude: Regularly reflecting on what makes them happy fosters a sense of gratitude, teaching children to appreciate even the small joys. Boost Emotional Resilience: This practice can help kids manage stress and anxiety by reminding them of what brings them joy and comfort. So, create your happiness jar today and start collecting those joyful moments! #Mindfulness #GratitudeJar #PositiveParenting #Happiness #EmotionalWellbeing #KidsActivities #MindfulLiving

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧. When in stressful situations, it can be common for parents to have “knee-jerk” reactions. This may include lashing out, raising our voices, or becoming irrationally upset about little things. Practicing mindfulness may help our own reactions to stressful situations but we can also build mindfulness activities into our daily routines and interactions with our children. This can foster these positive coping skills so we are ready when stressful situations arise. Not only is it beneficial for our well-being as parents but it can also strengthen the bond between parents and children. https://lnkd.in/eySYCAQa #IMBAW2024 #ICOMBO #mentalwellbeing #supportingmultiples

Mindfulness isn't just a personal practice, t's a powerful tool caregivers can use to support older adults facing mental or cognitive health challenges. By integrating mindfulness into daily routines, you can help create a calm, present, and supportive environment for those in your care. Here are a few tips to get started: 💙 Breathe Together: Practice deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. 💙 Mindful Listening: Give your full attention during conversations, fostering a sense of value and connection. 💙 Guided Imagery: Use descriptive words to evoke peaceful images, helping to distract from distressing thoughts. Incorporating these mindfulness practices can enhance the well-being of both caregivers and the seniors they support, creating moments of peace and connection in everyday care. #thrive #thrivecares #alf #ltc #seniorcare #thrivebehavioralsciences

As we step into another #SelfcareSaturday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of rest—not just physical rest, but also mental and emotional rejuvenation. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the power of simply pausing and allowing ourselves to recharge. Here are some of my favorite ways to unwind: Sitting by a Fire: There’s something magical about the crackling of firewood and the warmth it brings. Whether it’s a campfire with friends or a cozy fireplace at home, it’s the perfect setting to relax, reflect, and enjoy the moment. Reading a Good Book: Getting lost in a captivating story or diving into a thought-provoking non-fiction book can transport us to another world. It’s a wonderful way to escape and stimulate our minds at the same time. Unplugging from the World: In our hyper-connected lives, taking a break from screens can be incredibly refreshing. Whether it’s a few hours or a whole day, disconnecting allows us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Prayer and Meditation: Taking time for prayer or meditation helps center my thoughts and brings a sense of peace. It’s a chance to reflect, express gratitude, and cultivate mindfulness. What about you? How do you incorporate rest and relaxation into your routine? Remember, taking time for ourselves is not just beneficial—it’s essential for our well-being. Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating Saturday! #SelfCare #MentalHealth #Wellness #Rest #Mindfulness #Unplug #SelfCareSaturday #Relaxation #Balance #Community

Hello everyone! We're excited to share that Jacqueline Way, founder of 365give, who was interviewed on The Happy Hour with Elia Gourgouris Ph.D., has released an incredible article titled "Beyond Happy Hour: Everyday Strategies for Sustained Happiness." In this piece, she explores how to create lasting happiness through giving back, staying healthy, building strong social connections, setting personal goals, and practicing mindfulness. If you're looking for practical ways to boost your happiness every day, this article is a must-read! Check out the full article here! - https://bit.ly/4fijxpr #HappinessEveryDay #365give #MentalHealthMatters #GiveBack #HappyHourStrategies #WellBeing #SpreadKindness #MindfulnessMatters #PositiveVibes #HelperHigh #SelfCare #TheHappyHour #MHTN

Happiness often flourishes through simple daily choices that nurture well-being and personal connections, suggesting that small actions can create profound shifts in how we feel about life. To elevate your happiness, consider investing in time with loved ones, which strengthens bonds and offers emotional support. Practicing mindfulness through meditation can positively alter brain patterns, while regular exercise, even in brief sessions, boosts energy and mood. Getting quality sleep, practicing gratitude, and helping others contribute to a balanced mental state. Spending time outdoors and planning pleasurable activities also play a part, as they reduce stress and enhance resilience. These interconnected actions form a practical approach to fostering a happier life. #Happiness #PersonalGrowth

Parenting teens and tweens can be a whirlwind, but mindfulness offers a calm amidst the storm. 🌿 By embracing mindfulness practices, you'll find yourself truly present in your interactions with your child, fostering deeper connections and understanding. 🧘♀️ Listen attentively to their needs and concerns, building a bridge of trust and support. #mindfulparenting  #teenwellness  #parentingtips  #consciousparenting