Self-Care In The New Year: Resources From Trails Family Coach

For many people, the new year brings with it all sorts of resolutions and pledges to improve overall health. Parents of children struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges may feel like they have too much on their plate to consider thinking about their own mental health and self care.
However, it’s important to take time out of every day to focus on practicing self care and self healing. This is an important part of healing for the entire family.
When I think of self-care, the first thing that comes to mind is practicing yoga and mindfulness. In the new year, parents (and the entire family) might want to consider utilizing those self care techniques.
Below are several resources I have shared with parents over the years that often helps bring a sense of calmness and peace among the chaos that may surround them.

Resources for Self Care in the New Year

Free Guided Meditations:
Downloads for several guided meditations
Here is a link to a few guided meditations. They are great introductory meditations that are not too long.  I recommend putting the phone away, going into a separate room and putting on headphones to get the full effect.
Recommended Reading:
“Mindful Discipline: A loving approach to setting limits and raising an emotionally intelligent child” by Shauna Shapiro & Chris White
“Sitting Still Like a Frog: Simple mindfulness practices to help your child deal with anxiety, improve concentration, and handle difficult emotions” by Eline Snell
(Both books include exercises to do as parents, and activities you can do with your child. The second book also includes a CD with guided meditations that are kid-friendly)
Articles with picture sequences:
A Yoga Practice to Calm Anxious Thoughts
Overview of how yoga can subdue anxiety, and pictures of several poses you can practice at home.
7 Poses to Help You Reduce Stress
Infographic with specific poses to manage stress, and simple breathing exercises.
Banish the Blues: Yoga for Depression
An article discussing the reasoning behind the therapeutic benefits of yoga, as well as specific poses that can be useful.  Pictures are included in the article, which can be very useful when trying things out.
Meditation and Seated Poses to Tame Anxiety
This article describes a 5-minute meditation to help with anxiety, as well as a few chair-yoga poses.  Chair yoga is great to squeeze into the work day.
 

Trails Carolina Can Help

If your child is struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges, finding the best therapeutic option for their specific needs can help ensure a brighter, more successful future.
Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy program for teens ages 10-17, can help reshape your relationship with your child.
For more information about Trails, please call 800-975-7303.