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How To Stay Busy While Under Quarantine

Jaclyn Baker
,

We could all use a night in from time to time…

That is, when it’s up to us!

Mandatory quarantine or self-isolation can be very stressful and bring up a great deal of anxiety.

It’s no secret that coronavirus is all over the news. When an event or topic is brought up so often, of course it’s hard not to think about it.

Our mind can only focus on so many things at once. Keeping busy can be very therapeutic and help prevent anxiety.

Here are a few at home activities you can implement as soon as today!

Work Out At Home

Yes, your gym may be closed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work out.

Not all workout routines require equipment. Pushups, sit ups and planks can easily be done at home. There are also plenty of YouTube tutorials out there to follow for inspiration.

Read

When you’re stuck at home, it’s easy to spend hours on end in front of the TV. 

There’s nothing wrong with a little screen time. You just have to make sure you don’t overdo it.

This is the perfect time to catch up on some reading. Take a look around your home. You might have some old books lying around that you completely forgot about!

Spend Time In The Kitchen

Love to cook? Now is the time to prepare some new recipes. You never know. You may discover a brand new favourite meal.

Learn More

Coronavirus Wellness Center Offerings

Jaclyn Baker
,

Yoga For Turbulent Times

Centering Connection ~ Easing Anxiety

Join Amalia for a 1 hour yoga class to nourish the nervous system. In times of crisis we can lean into the wisdom of our bodies, and the wisdom of traditions which have been passed down for hundreds of years. This will be a gentle, accessible practice with a focus on connecting to your inner resources of resilience and ease. All are welcome.

Watch Here

 

Letting Go Of “Shoulds” Yoga During Turbulent Times 

Join Amalia Treiger, yoga instructor at the Vista Wellness Center (vista-wellness.com ).  

As a culture, we are used to framing our thoughts and sensations in the context of what we “should” think, or “should” feel. Yoga helps us ease the rigid grip of right and wrong, and to move into a wider range of possibilities. We wake up to more curiosity, more openness, more generosity, with ourselves and with others.  This will be a gentle practice, suitable for all levels.

When: Mar 26, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time.

Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Ground With Sound: Yoga During Turbulent Times 

Join Amalia Treiger, yoga instructor at the Vista Wellness Center (vista-wellness.com ).  

Use sound as a tool to foster clarity and calm. This class will tap into the power of sound to profoundly soothe the nervous system and focus the mind. Be ready to make some noise!

This will be a gentle practice, suitable for all levels.

When: Apr 2, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time. 

Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

 Exhale Pause ~Cultivating Awe: Yoga During Turbulent Times 

Join Amalia Treiger, yoga instructor at the Vista Wellness Center (vista-wellness.com ).  

Especially in challenging times, our beings require experiences of joy, wonder, and even awe. While we face some necessary contraction as our social circles shrink and our distance keeps others safe, our innate ability to be expansive is undiminished. Join live Thursday 4/10 at 11am PST for a yoga practice to juice up your joy! This will be a gentle class, suitable for all levels.

“How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all it’s beauty? It felt the encouragement of light against its being. Otherwise, we all remain too frightened.” – Hafiz

When: Apr 9, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time.

Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

 

 

 

 

Yoga for Turbulent Times – On Demand Replay

Ryan Scott
,

Centering Connection

Easing Anxiety

Sponsored by the Vista Wellness Center

www.vista-wellness.com

 

Thank you to all that joined us for the first class in a series!  You can watch a On Demand Replay at the link below.  This will be the first in a weekly series.  More information about upcoming events can be found at www.vistapsych.com/connection .  We’ll be posting Amalia’s next class at this link shortly.  Each class is scheduled at 11am PST on Thursdays.  See you there! 

 

 

As part of Vista Counseling & Wellness Center’s no-cost “Connection During Coronavirus” series, Join Amalia for a live, free one hour yoga class to nourish the nervous system this Thursday (3/19) at 11am (PST). In times of crisis we can lean into the wisdom of our bodies, and the wisdom of traditions which have been passed down for hundreds of years. This will be a gentle, accessible practice with a focus on connecting to your inner resources of resilience and ease. All are welcome.

 

Let’s Talk Social Distancing

Jaclyn Baker
,

We all have a need for human connection.

It’s just the way our brains work. Right now we are being encouraged to stay at home and self-isolate.

Yes, staying at home is the best thing we can do right now to prevent the virus from spreading. 

However, that doesn’t mean we should completely cut off all communication. 

Stressful times can help bring people together. 

Several studies show that spending time with others during threatening situations can reduce stress. Just knowing someone else is there can be very comforting.

Thanks to social media, there are so many ways we can stay in contact with friends and family in the comfort of our own homes.

Video Chat

There are several free video chatting services out there. Talking on the phone is great, but sometimes it isn’t enough. Video chatting can help feel closer to our loved ones.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can even organize large group video chats with friends and family.

Watch Movies

We all know the best part of a movie is discussing it with friends and family.

Just because you can’t be in the same room, doesn’t mean you can’t still discuss the movie.

Call up some friends and schedule a time to watch a film virtually. You can text or video chat throughout the film and bet what will happen next!

We’re all in this together!

Learn More

Yoga for turbulent times – Register for Free Video Class

Ryan Scott
,

Centering connection

Easing anxiety

Sponsored by the Vista Wellness Center

www.vista-wellness.com

Register Here

As part of Vista Counseling & Wellness Center’s no-cost “Connection During Coronavirus” series, Join Amalia for a live, free one hour yoga class to nourish the nervous system this Thursday (3/19) at 11am (PST). In times of crisis we can lean into the wisdom of our bodies, and the wisdom of traditions which have been passed down for hundreds of years. This will be a gentle, accessible practice with a focus on connecting to your inner resources of resilience and ease. All are welcome.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Mar 19, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Yoga For Turbulent Times

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_31kZJ0qXQEOsaMikWemQNg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Tips For Embracing Who You Are

Jaclyn Baker

Do you ever feel guilty over saying no? It’s more common than you think.

The thing is, time is something we never get back – so it’s important to make the most of everyday and spend our time wisely.

Now, wanting to say no is one thing. Actually going through with it is another.

Have a Script

Having a “saying no” script or plan can be very helpful.

Here are a few phrases you can use the next time you’re afraid to say no…

1) “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.”

2) “Thank you so much for thinking of me. However, I don’t think I’ll be able to attend.”

3) “Unfortunately my calendar is full. I hope you all have fun!”

Wake Up With Gratitude

The morning literally sets the tone for our entire day.

Practicing gratitude first thing in the morning can help us start the day on a positive note.

Every morning take a few minutes to name three things you are grateful for.

Yes, a few minutes is all you need. There are no rules. You can get as creative as you wish!

You can do this exercise while preparing breakfast, brushing your teeth or picking out an outfit.

Here are a few prompts to help get you started…

I am grateful for______

1) My home.

2) My eyesight.

3) A loving family.

Learn More

How To Manage Anxiety

Jaclyn Baker

Question the Story

Anxiety can often make fictional thoughts feel like facts. Remember, just because you think something doesn’t make it true.

Whenever a negative thought pops up, go ahead and question the story.

What are the odds that your fear will actually happen?

If your fear does happen, what is the worst-case scenario?

Face Your Fears

Anxiety can often prevent us from trying new things.

The thing is, the longer we avoid something, the scarier it becomes.

One of the best ways to conquer anxiety and life’s challenges is to face the situation head-on.

It won’t be easy at first. But the more you practice, the easier it will become.

Be Present

Anxiety is the fear of the unknown. And life is full of unknowns! Yes, many events can be predicted.  But there is no way to know anything for sure. And that has to be okay.

Being present is all about embracing the unknown.

Living in the moment lets us enjoy today instead of worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow.

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Returning From Maternity Leave? Here’s How To Make The Transition Easier

Jaclyn Baker

The First Day Back

The first day back at work will likely bring up a lot of emotions.

Some new moms feel guilty about leaving their new baby at home.

While others feel guilty about being excited to get back into the game.

The first few days will be the hardest. But every day will get easier.

No Such Thing As Too Many Questions

You can never ask too many questions.

No matter how long you’ve been gone, it takes time to get back into a solid work routine.

It’s likely some protocols may have changed.

Or your responsibilities may be slightly different.

So, when in doubt – always ask. Your future self will thank you.

Touch Base With Your Boss

No matter what business you are in, communication is key! Exactly, why it’s always a good idea to touch base with your boss on your first week back.

You can take that opportunity to ask important questions, and figure out which tasks are most time-sensitive.

Learn More

2 Unique Ways to Motivate Your Kids

Jaclyn Baker

Embrace Failure

There are plenty of books and articles out there that talk about embracing failure.

The thing is, most of those pieces are geared towards teens and adults – not so much for children.

It’s never too early to teach your child how to expect and be comfortable with failure.

Failure is a key stepping stone towards success.

One of the best ways to find out what works, is to find out what doesn’t.

Question Talent

Sure, some people can pick up certain skills faster than others.

But true talent isn’t something you’re born with!

Take a minute to think about your favourite singer…

Just imagine how many hours of practice it took them to feel confident.

You never know – that one song could have taken years to perfect.

Just because something is taking a bit longer than anticipated, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. All it takes is practice.

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Helping Your Child Cope With Depression

Jaclyn Baker

Nobody knows your child as well as you do.

But at the same time, none of us are mind readers.

If you have a feeling your child may be depressed, here’s what to do!

Monitor Their Moods

All kids have bad days at school or get into disagreements with friends.

It’s completely normal.

But a significant change in your child’s mood could be a sign something else is going on.

A few behavioural changes to look out for include…

1) Lack of appetite.

2) Poor sleeping habits.

3) Increased irritability.

Be There

Life can be a confusing place for kids.

It’s easy for them to feel like no one understands what they’re going through.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of.

There are many successful therapy techniques out there, such as CBT and DBT.

The only thing is, your child may not know that.

Remind them, that they are not alone, things will get better, and you are on their side!

Encourage Conversation

Even if nothing gets solved that day, sitting down and talking is a great first step.

Remind your child that their feelings are nothing to be ashamed of, and there is no reason to hide them.

You are on their side and there to help!

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Stress Management 101

Jaclyn Baker

We may not always be able to prevent stress. But we can work on relieving the symptoms.

What Is a Stress Reliever?

A stress reliever is an activity or technique that helps calm you down.

We all react to stress in our own way. Some may experience anger, while others may experience sweaty palms.

Examples

It may take some trial and error to find the best technique for you…

However, a few popular techniques include exercise, deep breathing, or counting backwards from ten.

How To Change Your Habits

Like any habit, practice makes perfect. Your new habits may not be able to eliminate stress 100% – but they certainly can help dial it down.

Can Stressors Be Eliminated?

The answer is yes and no.

Some stressful events are completely out of our hands and can’t be changed.

However, we can change the way we think and react to them.

Here’s an example.

Say a friend said something that upset you.

You can either keep your feelings to yourself…

Or you can take a few deep breaths and be honest with them.

That one conversation could potentially save you weeks of stress.

Learn More

Self-Care 101 – Winter Edition

Jaclyn Baker

Self-care is essential 365 days a year. But some of us need to practice it a bit more during the winter months. 

Write in a Journal

Writing in a journal is a great practice all year round – especially at the beginning of the new year.

Journalling is a great place to be completely open and honest.

It also allows you to reflect, learn, and grow.

Spend Time With Friends

We all need to socialize – even introverts!

Spending time with friends helps us relax, laugh, and try new things. 

But what if you and your friends have entirely different schedules?

Thanks to technology, spending time with friends doesn’t always have to be an in-person event. A weekly Skype call is much better than nothing.

Put it on the Calendar

We are much more likely to get things done when they are written down in a calendar.

Practicing self-care doesn’t have to be an entire event to be effective. You can definitely start slow and work your way up. 

Taking a bath, reading a book or doing a puzzle are all great self-care activities.

Learn More