Mindfulness

A Delicious Way to Practice Mindfulness

A Delicious Way to Practice Mindfulness

Did you know that mindfulness practice can shrink the amygdala which is the part of the brain that is responsible for fight, flight or freeze? While I know the benefits of mindfulness, I sometimes struggle to actually practice it. But several years ago, I was able to finally start on my mindfulness journey - by using food!

This can be done with any type of food but I particularly love using berries or chocolate. Take a listen to learn how to use this technique…

The topics I cover in this episode are:

Give Me Some Space: Helping Kids Regulate Anywhere with Jana York

Give Me Some Space: Helping Kids Regulate Anywhere with Jana York

This week I spoke to the lovely Jana York, a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher about how we can help our kids through the power of the breath. Mindfulness thankfully is everywhere these days, it may have started in the east but it’s definitely being adopted in the west. Speaking of geography, Jana York has taught children in Japan and Thailand, from her experience there she learned a lot of ways to use sensory toys and games to help children self-regulate and be more at peace with their anxiety. 

The topics we cover in this episode are:

Raising Happy Kids with Maureen Healy

Raising Happy Kids with Maureen Healy

Award-winning author, Maureen Healy is my guest on this week’s episode to talk all about emotions. When you think that our brains aren’t fully developed until our mid-twenties, it puts into perspective how difficult it is to deal with ever-changing emotions at the age of, say, 8 years old. My guest, Maureen, talks about her book ‘The Happiness Workbook for Kids’, and how it can help you as a parent or teacher to teach kids how to deal with emotions in a healthy way.

The topics we cover in this episode are:

The Value of Breathing and Mindfulness with Jennifer Cohen Harper

The Value of Breathing and Mindfulness with Jennifer Cohen Harper

Take a long, slow, deep breath. In… and out. Doesn’t that feel a lot better? Today’s episode is all about breathing and how to regulate your nervous system. A lot of people say it and it’s just so true, the breath is so powerful and a good way to help navigate difficult situations and emotions. My guest is an expert in this field, Jennifer Cohen Harper is a mindfulness and yoga educator and she tells me the best practices when it comes to using your breath as well as the following topics…

The topics we cover in this episode are:

The Power of Connection: Mindful Parenting for Children with Additional Needs

The Power of Connection:  Mindful Parenting for Children with Additional Needs

Inside: Guest Post by Elizabeth Sautter about the Power of Connection

Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs.  When you have a child with complex needs such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety, the journey come with additional considerations and can often be challenging to navigate.  Holding your child’s attention and finding common interests may be a bit harder but not something to give up on!  Connecting with your child is a critical piece of their development and can make things smoother for them and you in the short and long run!

Four Simple Ways to Introduce Mindfulness to Kids

Four Simple Ways to Introduce Mindfulness to Kids

Mindfulness can also be a helpful tool for kids who have challenges with self-regulation or difficulty managing emotions, or want to improve their concentration. it would be helpful for them to be able to calm down and be aware of the present. When they are aware of the present, it will help them be more able to see what’s happening around them and settle themselves and their minds.

In this podcast episode, I talk about four different ways to introduce mindfulness to kids…

Introduction to Zentangles

Introduction to Zentangles

When you are stressed, anxious or perhaps angry and need to calm down, what techniques do you use? There are so many out there, from yoga, meditation, exercise and mindfulness but today I will be speaking to my guest Andrea about one which you’ll love if you sit on the creative side of life. It’s a mix of art and mindfulness and it’s called ‘Zentangle’. 

The topics we cover in this episode are:

Simple ways to introduce mindfulness and meditation to children

Simple ways to introduce mindfulness and meditation to children

Inside: A basic introduction to mindfulness, and how you can introduce mindfulness to kids. Lots of resources, including scripts, books and videos.

Mindfulness.

It’s quite a popular topic these days. But what does that even mean? And how exactly do you teach it to kids?

Coping Skill Spotlight: Take a Mindful Walk

Coping Skill Spotlight: Take a Mindful Walk

Mindfulness can be a helpful tool if you have a hard time managing your thoughts and emotions or if you want to improve your concentration. Mindfulness is being aware of what’s happening in the present moment. It’s not about trying to clear your mind, but allowing thoughts and emotions to come and go without judgment and familiarizing ourselves with the present moment. It takes practice to be able to do this.

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