A LOT of us are struggling with lock down at the moment. There’s not just the restrictions and the threat of the virus, there’s juggling home schooling and home working and no end in sight. It can all seem a little overwhelming at times.
As we start the new year in lockdown, children and young people will no doubt also be feeling the impact in lots of ways. However, Colette McCartney, the founder of one of Northern Ireland’s leading early years wellness companies, Holistic Kidz, is urging parents to not let the worry and stress add to the unprecedented challenges they are currently facing. She has provided some simple steps to help look after the physical and mental wellbeing of families at this time.
Colette says that because of the challenges we face every day, there has never been a more crucial time to look after our mental well being and physical health.
“While most children won’t understand the severity of what is happening regarding Covid-19, they will certainly pick up on things they might hear,” she says. “In addition to this, they’ve had changes to their routine, school is closed and they aren’t able to see their friends, so parents might be noticing some changes in their behaviour.
"Which is why it’s never been more important for both parents and children to take the time to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Colette says there are so many simple things that families can do together to ensure this time at home is fun and not as stressful as most of us might currently be feeling.
“Get outside as much as you can, go for a walk, a nature hunt or spend time in the garden,” advises Colette. “Meditation is wonderful and it’s amazing how connecting with our breath can instantly help us relax. And most importantly, talk to your child. Encourage them to tell you about their day and any worry they might have.
“We’ve also created a free Holistic kidz ‘Bundle of Zen’ which can be downloaded from our website and includes some activities to help look after your child’s wellness in lockdown.”
Colette has also suggested some activities you can do at home with your children to
help them over lockdown.
Make a Worry Spray to use to help sprinkle any worries away…
When your little one feels a little off, you can use your potion to spray on their head or
tummy. Using it on their pillow at night will help them drift off into a happy sleep. This
relaxation method has a positive psychological effect on a child and encourages them to feel empowered whilst confidently remaining in control of their own thoughts
Suggested ingredients:
- Flower petals
- Water
- Essential oils
A Happy Jar is a special way of reminding yourself just how incredible you are
Write down positive affirmations or things that make you feel grateful on pieces of paper,
fill your jar up with these, take out as many as you like each day and read out loud, just to
remind you what a super star you truly are.
This is a wonderful method of highlighting your child’s weekly achievements, to promote self-love, boost their self-esteem and enhance communication and relationship bonds within your family.
You will need:
- An old jar
- Pieces of paper
- Crayon
Home-made journal
Making and keeping a journal is a therapeutic activity through your child can enjoy recording their daily memories, activities, thoughts, feelings, and achievements using words or drawings.
Children can get creative with photographs, stickers, concert tickets, certificates, magazine
cuttings and all special things that make them smile. Journalling drawing has many
benefits for everyone – this relaxing activity helps to increase emotional intelligence,
stimulate creativity and it gives children a comforting platform to express their thoughts,
feelings and emotions, especially if they find it hard to open up.
You will need:
- A scrapbook
- Imagination
- Creativity and a smile
Get out in to nature
Roll down hills, climb trees and jump in puddles. You would be surprised how liberating all of these fun nature activities are and yes even for us adults. The physical and health
benefits of being outdoors are limitless.
Daily 15-minute silly session
Dance and sing around your home like no-one is watching, make jokes together and, most
importantly, laugh, smile and laugh even more. Laughter helps to naturally relieve tension and stress. It helps to re-energise the body and, most importantly, it brightens up
everyone’s day. There is truth in the expression ‘laughter is the best medicine’.
For further information or to download the free Book of Zen go to holistickidz.com
