Back to School on Global News
Child and family therapist Michele Kambolis sits down with Global News to discuss helping your kids deal with anxiety as they transition back to the classroom watch the segment
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The Magic Land of Chi
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a mind-body technique that tames stress and helps kids become more aware of the sensations that go hand-in-hand with tension. It involves slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group and with regular practice PMR helps keep stress in check. Science tells us PMR activates the parasympathetic nervous system (triggering…
Pizza breathing for a calm mind
Monkey Mind is a state of having your thoughts racing – it’s brought on by anxiety or stress. It’s like having a wild monkey in your mind that’s jumping around and swinging from tree to tree. Monkey Mind can be distracting and make us irritable or anxious. This breathing exercise is a great solution for…
Feather Thought Buster
Feathers are used in many cultures to symbolize wisdom, lightness and movement. For young children, it’s good to use visual aids, like feathers, to help the practice of understanding and letting go of negative emotions or energy. Here we use the feather to guide our negative thoughts away and guide positive thoughts back in. Think…
The Gratitude Journal
Positive psychology researchers have become experts in the power of giving thanks. They’ve zeroed in on the social, physical and mental health benefits that come from the practice of gratitude and results are nothing less than remarkable. The Grandfather of Positive Psychology, Dr. Seligman, had individuals write down three things each day that went well…
In Your Hands
We all have a deep, deep desire for a sense of control – without it we feel vulnerable. Just think, from an evolutionary prospective, our survival has relied on the ability to retain control – each of us is subconsciously wired to seek it at all cost. Learning to let go of the need to…
ENERGY SHAKE
There’s an age-old practice that is well researched, but widely overlooked when it comes to mind-body health. The list of benefits to Qi Gong is long: it loosens muscles and builds power, strengthens organs and nerves, improves vascular function, eases stress and balances emotions. It’s based on the premise that stagnant energy brings on all…
5-4-3-2-1 Notice!
Mindfulness can best be described as a state of active, open attention on the present. It is now being used increasingly as an integral part of social-emotional learning in classrooms across North America to help children become more self-aware, focused and observant of their internal and external landscape. This exercise engages children with their current…
Clear Fluid Boundary Thought Buster
Often we can be deeply affected by and sensitive to the feelings of other people. We can really feel it when other people may be angry, sad, or scared. Our brains are wired to do this; in fact, we have mirror neurons in our brains to help us feel what others are feeling. That is…
Bubble Thought Buster
Thought busters are made even more powerful when they’re combined with mindful breathing and play. Blowing bubbles is a fun, joy-filled way for children to relax, let go of their worries and focus on their breathing. SUPPLIES: BUBBLE SOLUTION AND BUBBLE WAND Take a moment to do a scan of your body. Close your eyes…