Tips

Taking Care of Yourself

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Taking Care of YourselfYour children can often pick up on your stress much like a sponge.

  • Do routine things to ensure less stress for all
  • Do your best to make sure the entire family eats a balanced meal to stay well and nourished. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and exercise.
  • Do not forget to take care of yourself. If you are not feeling okay, it conflicts with the order of everything else.
  • Take a nap, read a book, or take a long hot bath. Relaxation is one of the ways you can best approach the struggles with that following stress and anxiety.

Help Anxious Children

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Help Anxious ChildrenAnxious people tend to be hyper-aware of their surroundings. They are always on the lookout for possible threats or risks in new situations.  Plan ahead.

  • Talk to your children about upcoming situations.
  • Teach your child to shake hands to say hello instead of a hug.
  • Practice deep breathing techniques for when your child is overwhelmed.
  • Eliminate the unexpected.
  • Tell your child ahead of time what to expect.
  • Create a secret signal. This is a way you and your child can let each other know when they need help without alerting others.
  • Schedule special family time.  Try to find time for your family to sit down together to play games, watch a video, or engage in other fun and relaxing activities.

How to Overcome Your Fears of Traveling

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Overcome Your Fear of TravelingPeople with agoraphobia may find things such as overcrowded airports and train stations overwhelming. Many anticipate their trips with dread. Those with generalized anxiety may find a bunch of new things to worry about during travel. This can interfere with your life. It is important to remember that avoidance will not help you overcome anxiety. Instead of dreading travel try practicing your fears head-on. Taking one step at a time and have some support.

Plan and confirm all details: to decrease your stress, try to book flights that leave early in the day when the airport is less crowded.  Allow plenty of time to organize your belongings, your IDs for security checkpoints, and check to make sure that you have your medication.

Start thinking ahead. Make a list of activities that you would like to engage in during your travel. Plan stress-reducing techniques. Such as slow, deep breathing, meditation, and progressive relaxation.

Put your strategies to reduce anxiety to work.  Connect with staff on the plane, request seating by the aisle or window whichever you feel most comfortable.

 

How to Experience Yoga in a Welcoming Environment

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How to Experience Yoga in a Welcoming EnvironmentYoga students typically seek out a quiet, tranquil, and breath-focused environment with minimal distraction. Here is some etiquette that can help maintain calm:

  1. Arrive early…it helps you to get in the right mindset, and it won’t interrupt others.
  2. Plan to stay for the whole class. It is very disruptive when someone gathers their belongings and opens doors to leave.
  3. Leave your shoes at the door or on the trays. This shows a sign of respect and doesn’t get the floors wet during inclement weather.
  4. Leave your cellphone outside the room. That way you won’t disturb the other students and it won’t distract you from being present.
  5. Bring water, towel, and if possible, your own mat.  Drink your water at the end, as through the yoga practice your body builds a digestive fire, necessary to break down food. You want to keep that fire going during the yoga class. A towel can be used to wipe sweat or to use as a prop. Bringing your own mat is great for hygienic reasons and can connect with your personal mat.
  6. Avoid perfume or scented lotion. This could be distracting or disturbing to the other students. Essential oils are fine if used in moderation.
  7. Wear appropriate clothing. Wear something that is comfortable, stretchy and breathable. Modesty is traditionally a part of yoga practice.
  8. Let the teacher know about any physical issues and preferences. Before class is a good time to touch base with the teacher on any issues that may impact your time there. Let the teacher know if you are uncomfortable with hands-on assistance.
  9. Clean up after class. Wipe the mats down and put the props away where they belong.
  10. Be compassionate and don’t judge others. Reactions are not necessary for passing gas or making other noises. Focus on yourself, and be ok with yourself and your practice. Enjoying just being you.