blog

Have you ever thought about how often your little kids touch their mouth, nose, and eyes?

Now, older kids and adults understand why we should avoid touching our face…

However, your preschooler may not. 

They say it takes around 21 days to form a habit. Today is the perfect day to teach your little one the importance of hand washing.

Let’s get started!

Lead By Example

Preschoolers are very impressionable. If they regularly see you washing your hands, it will encourage them to do the same. 

Before meals and after playtime, have the entire family wash their hands together.

Don’t be afraid to make the process fun. A good rule of thumb is to sing the Happy Birthday song twice while hand washing.

Talk About Why

Your little ones may not understand why we need to wash our hands. 

Sit down with them and explain how and why regular hand washing keeps us healthy. 

Make It Fun

Who says hand washing can’t be fun! You just have to get a little creative. 

How To Get Started

1) Purchase soap in their favourite scent or with their favourite character on it. 

2) Make up a fun hand washing song.

3) Create a hand washing chart.

4) Read a fun hand washing book before bed.

What Are You Grateful For Today?

Sometimes we can forget how lucky we are. But the truth is, we have so much to be grateful for!

Here’s some gratitude homework for you (don’t worry – this is fun homework.)

Every morning and night write down two things you are grateful for.

There are no rules here. You can get as specific as you like.

Everything from your home to your bed to your morning coffee all count.

The next time you’re feeling down or anxious, your gratitude list will be there to remind you how lucky you are.

Who Can You Reach Out To Today?

Just because we are practicing social distancing doesn’t mean we have to be alone.

Technology has come such a long way. Now is the time to take advantage of it.

Every single day make an effort to text or call at least 3 people.

How Can You Get Outside Today?

Staying indoors 24 hours a day 7 days a week is not healthy for any of us.

We need nature, fresh air, and sunshine to thrive.

Just because we can’t go to the park or visit the beach, doesn’t mean we can’t go outside at all.

Reading a good book on your balcony or in the yard can be very relaxing.

Now, if you don’t have a backyard or balcony, there’s no need to worry.

You still have options!

You can open a few windows in your home, or order some flowers online.

Learn More

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 4/9 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

Being quarantined not only impacts our mental health…

It can also impact our relationships.

Being around the same person, 24/7 can cause arguments, anxiety, and frustration. Here are 3 practices that can help make you a good quarantine partner.

Practice Patience

It’s no secret the past few weeks have been stressful for most of us. 

Practicing patience is not an easy thing to do while facing high levels of stress.

You may have noticed yourself feeling a little frustrated lately, and that’s okay. 

When we’re feeling worked up, sometimes we need time to ourselves to cool down. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with your partner. You both will get through this. 

Try Being Quieter

It’s one thing to be respectful of someone’s space. It’s another to be respectful of their ears.

Some of us are more productive in complete silence, while others prefer a little background noise.

Simply watching a show or listening to music with headphones can go a long way. 

Help Out Around The House

Chores are one of those things that never seem to end. Everything from dishes to laundry to dusting adds up!

Now you may be thinking, “Okay, but my home is already pretty organized…”

Small gestures can go a long way. 

Volunteering to clear your partner’s dishes, folding the laundry or even organizing the junk drawer are all small acts that make a big impact.

Learn More

Ask Your Kids What They Know

There are so many new articles and statements released on a daily basis. 

The thing is – the information we read online isn’t always accurate.

And sometimes, information can get misinterpreted along the way. 

Take some time to sit down with your children and ask them exactly what they know. That way, you can clear up any misunderstandings if any. 

Validate Their Feelings

Children are going through a lot right now. They aren’t going to school. They can’t spend time with their friends. It’s a stressful time! 

But you as a parent won’t know exactly how they feel unless you ask them.

Some of their feelings may be realistic, while others may be very exaggerated. 

Either way, all you can do right now is let them know you are there for them. 

Answer Their Questions

There is no way to know for sure how long this outbreak will last. 

As the situation evolves, it’s likely your children will have more questions and concerns. 

Remind them that you are there to answer any of their questions. 

If they are hesitant to approach you, don’t be afraid to start the conversation and ask them how they are doing. 

Learn More

In case you missed it, Ryan Scott – licensed psychologist and director of Vista Counseling had a great conversation with Anni Katz over at  klcc.org.

Be sure to check out the full conversation today and learn how to deal with anxiety during coronavirus, coping mechanisms, parenting tips and more. 

Listen Here

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.

For those of you who didn’t know already, we have taken our entire practice to online therapy. 

Our mission is to help people deal with loneliness, boredom, isolation and anxiety about the future. 

 Vista Counseling is starting a new online resource called Connection During Coronavirus.

Right now, we are working on ways to connect with as many people as possible during this difficult time.

Connecting During Coronavirus will include online resources, live video classes, yoga classes and much more!

You can expect to learn how to adapt to uncertainty, change and loss.

Here are a handful of strategies you can start implementing right now…

Connect With Others: 

Technology has come such a long way. We can text, call or video chat with people all over the world! Make an effort to call at least one friend a day.

Live In The Moment: 

Be present. Breathe. Appreciate the world around you. 

Take a Media Break: 

It’s important to know what’s going on in the world. But too much of anything is not healthy. Don’t be afraid to take a media break.