Blog

How To Help Your Teen Accept Missing Graduation

Graduating from high school is a milestone most teens have been looking forward to since Freshman year.

It’s the end of an important chapter and the start of a brand one.

Due to COVID-19, teens all over the world are missing their graduation and prom.

When something you’ve been looking forward to for so long gets cancelled, it can be a lot to take in.

Wondering how you can help your teen understand and come to terms with their cancelled graduation? If so, keep on reading.

Acknowledge Their Loss:

You may not be able to relate, but missing graduation can feel like a loss.

Discounting how your teen feels can make them feel worse.

Encourage your teen to open up. Whether they feel angry, anxious, frustrated or sad, getting their feelings out in the open will help.

Saying our feelings out loud, can also help us understand them better.

Be There:

Both words and actions are powerful tools.

The next time your teen opens up to you in frustration or sadness, be sure to listen and empathize.

Examples:

” I understand how you feel. It’ll be okay, I love you.”

Or,

“I am so sorry this is happening, I know it’s hard. You will get through this.”

Find Meaning:

Every situation has a silver lining.

Ask your teen what they have learned so far from this experience and what they are grateful for.

You both may be pleasantly surprised just how resilient they have become.

Knowing how to cope in tough times is an essential life skill.

None of us are mind readers. Nobody knows what today or tomorrow has in store.

There will always be difficult and frustrating days – and that’s okay! We just have to know how to cope with our emotions in a healthy way.  Learn More

Having A Solid Routine During Stressful Times

Of course, we are all so different. What works for someone may not necessarily work for you and vice versa. However, several studies have shown that having a solid routine can help manage stress and anxiety.

Having a routine can also help you feel more confident, which is exactly what we need during this stressful time. 

Routines Help Us Feel In Control:

There are so many things in the world completely out of our control. 

We can’t control what other people do or think. 

However, we can control our habits and behaviours.

Waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day is a great place to start.

Make a List:

Do you ever have one of those days where time just passes you by?

You know you got a lot done, you just can’t recall when or how…

It’s kind of like when you go for a long drive and get to your destination in the blink of an eye.

Creating a daily list can help you keep track of what got done that day, and what needs to be taken care of the next. 

Know What Works For You:

Some people need a very specific schedule to thrive, while others do better with basic sticky notes.

There is no right or wrong way to plan your day. As long as your routine works for you, that is all that matters.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone:

If you’re open to trying something new, that’s great!

Don’t be afraid to ask yourself what else might work.

By stepping outside your comfort zone, you’ll either discover a new healthy habit, or you’ll learn what not to do next time.  Learn More

How To Cope If You’ve Been Laid Off

If you’ve been laid off during COVID-19, you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are in the same boat.

Losing your job is difficult, both financially and emotionally. 

If you are having a difficult time coping, these tips and tricks can help.

Maintain a Consistent Routine:

If you are no longer working, it’s easy for our days to lack structure, which can cause anxiety.

Even if you don’t have any time-sensitive commitments, you can still implement healthy habits. 

1) Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.

2) Don’t skip any meals.

3) Call at least one friend or family member a day.

4) Practice self-care.

5) Start a passion project. 

Job Hunt:

It’s safe to assume that job hunting is not an option during this difficult time. However, that is not the case. There are plenty of jobs out there that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t be afraid to explore local job boards or Facebook groups. 

You never know what opportunities are out there unless you try. 

Your dream job may be one application way.

Learn Something New:

No matter how well versed you are in a subject, there is always something new to learn.

Now is the perfect time to deepen your existing skill sets or jump into something brand new.

There are so many incredible courses available online both paid and unpaid.

You never know. That one course or program can open the door to dozens of new career opportunities. 

Volunteer Virtually:

Volunteering not only helps the community – it can also give you a sense of purpose.

Do some research and see what opportunities are out there! Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people (virtually) and learn new skills.  Learn More

Parenting During Coronavirus

Even though being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, it can also be one of the most challenging.

If your children are having a difficult time adapting to quarantine life, these tips and tricks can help!

Don’t Forget About The Good Stuff:

There really is no such thing as a perfect day. There will always be little things that don’t go exactly as planned. But you know what? That’s okay!

Every day is full of positivity. You just have to make an effort to acknowledge and appreciate the good stuff. Life is not black and white, and there is good in every day. 

Here’s a fun activity the kids will love.

Every night at dinner, have everyone go around the table and list one positive thing they did that day and why it made them happy. 

Manage Your Stress:

You love your children, and it’s normal to want to put their needs first.

However, feelings (both positive and negative) are contagious. You are your child’s biggest role model. Sometimes they can mimic your actions without even realizing it.

If they see you happy and relaxed, they are much more likely to feel the same way. Make an effort to spend at least 30 minutes a day relaxing and de-stressing.

Encourage Kids To Share Their Feelings:

Young children can’t express their feelings like an adult or teen would.  Their sadness can come across as anger, frustration, or boredom. Before bedtime or first thing in the morning, ask them how they are feeling. If they’re happy, that’s great news!

If not, you can figure out a plan and go from there. Young children need attention and affection.

Reading a book, watching a movie or cuddling in bed can make them feel loved and supported. 

Learn More

Changing Your Life For The Better During Quarantine

No matter what we do or don’t do, time will pass during quarantine. Now is the perfect time to reflect, thrive and grow. 

Time:

Time is the one thing we never get back. Right now, we have no idea how much longer quarantine will last. Instead of spending your days wishing quarantine life was over, be mindful and appreciate every moment.

Chances are, you have a lot more free time. There are so many things you can do to spend those hours wisely.

You can get back into some older hobbies, take an online course, or spend quality time with loved ones. No matter what we do or don’t do, the time will pass. Might as well make the most of it.

Declutter:

How many household items have been collecting dust in storage over the years?

How many household items are you hesitant to donate because you may need them one day?

Our environment has a huge impact on our mindset and productivity. Being surrounded by clutter can make us feel overwhelmed, stressed or trapped. Now, you may be wondering, which items are worth decluttering. If you haven’t used something in 6 – 12 months, it may be time to donate it.

Change Your Habits:

Bad habits are hard to break. But not impossible!

Now is the perfect time to start breaking those habits. Significant lifestyle changes won’t happen overnight – but if you keep at it, you’ll get there.

We are much more likely to accomplish goals we talk about.  Don’t be afraid to fill your friends and family in on your progress. After all, you can never have too many people cheering you on!

Learn More

Ask a Therapist: Live Q & A with Jondra Pennington, LPC

Please join Jondra Pennington, LPC as we discuss some of unexpected positives, as well as challenges, that have come up during this unusual time in our lives.   For example, some people have rediscovered hobbies or passions like gardening or painting.  Families are reconnecting in creative ways.  Jondra will share what she has learned during this time, as well as take live questions and offer suggestions for healthy coping and growth.  We hope you can join us! 

When: Apr 30, 2020 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Register Here

Helping Your Kids With Their Studies During Coronavirus

Have a Daily Routine:

Having a solid daily routine is so important for kids and adults.

Yes, our days may be different right now. But it is never too late to establish a new routine and a new normal. 

Don’t Forget About Recess:

Several studies show that children who participate in recess behave better and have an easier time learning.

It’s so important for kids to take several breaks throughout the day and keep their body moving.

You can go on family walks, play tag in the yard, play games or dance!

Stay Organized:

A simple checklist can go a very long way.

When we have so many responsibilities, it can be hard to remember them all. 

We are much more likely to remember information that is written down.

Encourage your child to create a to-do list at the start of every school day. And whenever they finish a task, they can cross it off the list. 

Once the school day is complete, they will have a nice visual of everything they accomplished. 

Lists Don’t Have To Be Boring:

A little creativity makes everything more fun! Your child can decorate their list with stickers or colour code their tasks.

As long as the list works, that’s all that matters!

Learn More

How To Take Care Of Yourself During COVID-19

We are all in the same situation right now. It is completely normal to feel stressed. With that being said, there are several ways you can take care of yourself during COVID-19 and overcome negative emotions. 

Observe Your Emotions Without Judgment:

Your emotions are nothing to be ashamed of. 

Sometimes when we are experiencing stress or anxiety, it can be hard to think logically.

Instead of judging yourself for feeling this way, go ahead and observe and describe your emotions.

How are you feeling right now?

Why do you think you are feeling this way?

What can you do right now to change the situation?

Take A News Break:

Getting lost in the news can take a toll on you emotionally.

There are thousands upon thousands of updates being shared on the daily – most of which can be a little scary.

High levels of stress can cause headaches, stomach issues, high blood pressure, and insomnia.

If a certain article or story is making you upset, the best thing you can do is walk away.

Take Care Of Yourself:

No act of self-care is too small. 

Make sure you are getting enough sleep.

Eat healthy meals.

And exercise regularly.

Embrace Social Media:

Yes, texting is a great way to connect with friends and family.

But, video chatting can create a deeper social interaction.

Actually seeing your loved ones face and hearing their voice can help you feel closer to them.

Learn More

Yoga – Calming With Breath

Join us for our next Yoga class – Calming with Breath.

Kimby Maxson teaches an all-levels yoga class that focuses on helping to find calm in the chaos of life through breath work and movement.

When: Apr 16, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

Register here

For security and privacy, this is in a “webinar” format, meaning that participants will not share video or audio of their participation.

Did you miss last week’s class?  View a replay here!

Dealing With Boredom In A Healthy Way

Yes, being bored is not fun. You just have to remember, boredom is just a feeling, and will not last forever. 

Here are 3 ways you can tackle boredom today. 

Make a List:

The first step is pretty easy. All you have to do is make a list of things you love to do. 

There are no rules here – but the more variety, the better!

Once your list is complete, be sure to hang it up somewhere easily accessible, like your fridge or medicine cabinet.

The next time you’re feeling bored, you’ll have a list of activities ready to go. 

There will always be those days where an activity just doesn’t appeal to you.

Don’t let that stop you! Sometimes it can take a few minutes to get in the zone. 

Exercise:

It’s a common misconception that a good workout can only take place at the gym.

That is not the case!

We are so lucky to have platforms like YouTube for guidance.

There are thousands of outstanding at-home workout videos that range from 10 – 60 minutes in length.

Boredom Does Not Last Forever:

If none of the above techniques are effective, there is no need to worry.

Your boredom will pass before you know it. Every day is a new day. And you will get through this! 

Learn More