Relaxation
Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, grounding, or muscle relaxation, calm your body and mind. They help reduce stress, anxiety, and sadness. Doing these activities regularly can improve sleep, manage emotions, and deal with problems better. Try these relaxation activities with a child you love!
Mindfulness
Sometimes, feelings can be intense. This can happen in moments of stress, anger, or anxiety. These feelings make it easy to feel overwhelmed or disconnected from our surroundings. One way to slow down those intense feelings and reconnect is to practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness means giving your full attention to the present moment. It’s not about trying to make changes or judging yourself. Mindfulness helps you become aware of how you feel, which can help you feel better over time. Some mindfulness techniques include noticing your breath (box breathing), grounding, and body scans. Try these mindfulness activities with a child you love.
Sleep Hygiene
Getting good sleep is important for mental health. When we have a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine, it helps our mood and how we think. Sleeping well helps manage stress, makes us less anxious or sad, and helps us concentrate better. People benefit from going to sleep and waking up around the same time, even on weekends. They also sleep better when they put away screens at least an hour before bed and sleep in a comfortable, cool environment. Check out these resources for how to help your child sleep better.
Healthy Diet
Eating good foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains is important for how we feel. When we eat healthy foods, it helps our brain work better and keeps our mood in check. Having a balanced diet gives us more energy, helps us handle stress, and stay focused. Check out these tips for creating healthy habits for your teen.
Watch, Catch, and Change Your Thoughts
Everyone has thoughts that are painful, scary, or uncomfortable sometimes. Did you know that you can actually change the thoughts you have? By paying attention to your thoughts, examining them, and changing them, you can improve your mental health. Check out these guides to helping your teen or pre-teen catch, check, and change their thoughts!
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool for improving mental health. It helps us spot the good, reducing stress and boosting our overall mood Whether we write down what we’re thankful for or express gratitude to others, it not only makes us happier but also brings us closer to those around us, fostering joy and connection that benefit our minds. Check out this resource for talking with your child about gratitude.