5 Tips to Help You Unwind When Worried

5 Tips to Help You Unwind When Worried

by | Jul 5, 2023 | Self-care

5 Tips for Helping You to Unwind when Worried

Some days we’d just rather not go through. Let’s face it, we all go through times of intense stress and worry. I understand that worrying can be overwhelming and stressful and the idea of unwinding at all in these circumstances can feel impossible. Remember that worrying is a natural human emotion and it’s okay to feel this way. Here are some words of encouragement and several tips designed to help you unwind even when you’re worried: 

Start By Getting Back into the Moment

A lot of what we’re doing when we’re worrying is living in the future. We’re caught in a world of ‘what ifs’ and speculation. This is why getting back into the here and now is crucial. Mindfulness or meditation can help you focus on where you are right now. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Don’t allow thoughts to intrude. Instead, allow yourself to drift, thinking about what you hear or smell. It doesn’t have to take long. Even a few minutes of mindfulness will help you to unwind significantly

Are You Being Reasonable?

What are you worried about most often? Is this a reasonable worry? Sometimes all we need to unwind is a quick reality check. You might be overthinking things. If you’re not sure if you see the situation clearly, this might be a good time to talk to someone else about what’s going on. You have people who care about you and are there to support you. Reach out to them and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

 Do they see things the same way?

Let Go

There are some things you won’t be able to change about what’s going on right now. Remind yourself that whatever is happening is just another piece of this particular segment of your life. You will get through it. You’ll find it easier to relax if you let go of what is out of your control.

Forget the Fortune-Teller

When we’re worried, we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking things are very black and white. But, generally speaking, things are seldom as bad as we imagine. So please take a deep breath and let the situation unfold as it will without trying to predict the future. 

What Are You Telling Yourself?

Sometimes we get in the habit of seeking out the negative, especially when it comes to ourselves. Could you be worried about something that isn’t even true? Consider the words you use when talking to yourself. If you use more negative than positive phrasing, change the dialogue to more positive statements. It’s much easier to unwind when you’re not constantly beating yourself up.

Worrying is a normal part of life, but it’s important not to let it consume you. 

Distorted thinking that starts much of our worrying crushes our self-esteem with feelings of despair, failure, anger, frustration, hopelessness, resentment, and anxiety. This can lead to doing and saying things we regret and never solving problems. Instead, it only leads to a high degree of dissatisfaction in life. 

While these tips might not necessarily solve the crisis you are feeling, they’ll help you put even difficult times into better perspective, allowing you to at least take some time to breathe and figure out the next steps.

Take it one step at a time. First, focus on the present moment. Analyze your thought process. Ask yourself if you have proof to support this thought. Finally, approach the issue differently and know you are not alone.

Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are capable of achieving great things, and you have the power to overcome any obstacle.

Keep a positive mindset, and take action towards your goals.

You’ve got this!

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To sign up, visit the “Newsletter” section here on the website. Enter your email address, and you’ll receive our newsletter in your inbox on Wednesdays.  I appreciate your interest in bringing out the best in your children and yourself. We look forward to keeping you informed through our newsletter!

Why Unwinding Is Essential for Both You and Your Children

Why Unwinding Is Essential for Both You and Your Children

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Parenting, Self-care

Overcome Common Barriers and Relax

We all know that unwinding is good for us. After all, think how wonderful it feels to relax after a long, difficult day! There’s no better way to shed stress or ease worry. Unfortunately, though, sometimes unwinding is easier said than done. 

If you’re having difficulty unwinding, it’s time for intentionality in your subsequent actions. First, look at some barriers to letting go and what you can do about them.

If you’re having difficulty unwinding, it’s time for intentionality in your subsequent actions. First, look at some barriers to letting go and what you can do about them.

Current Events Have You Down

The problem with being plugged in every second of the day is we become very aware of what’s happening in the world. It can lead to many worries and stress about things happening worldwide, and it seems impossible to relax at the end of the day. The fix? Limit your media exposure. For example, make a point not to watch the news before bed or allow yourself only a certain amount of time to follow the news every day.

You Feel Like There’s Too Much to Do

The problem with being busy is that it’s always possible to get busier. While this can be great news for your business, it can wreak havoc on your ability to end the day and unwind. The fix? Create a schedule where you quit all extra activities for the day at a specific time. Then, if anything is unfinished, jot it down on tomorrow’s to-do list and let it go so you can unwind properly.

You Don’t Have Time to Unwind

This can be difficult, especially if you’re used to scheduling your day to be busy. The problem? You’re leading yourself straight to burnout. The fix? It’s pretty simple. Start planning time to unwind every day. Be strict with yourself about using it.

You Don’t Think You Deserve Time Off

Unfortunately, we were taught to be productive every minute of the day since we were children. It leads to many complicated feelings about taking time off, even to unwind at the end of the day. The fix? A reality check can do wonders here. Unwinding is a crucial part of being productive. Without rest, you can’t possibly do more later. Want to go even better? Spend time rewiring your brain to accept one straightforward truth: YOU DESERVE TIME TO YOURSELF. We all do—end of story. 

All of these can be barriers for our children, too. For example, if your child’s usual way of being is interrupted, and you see changes in sleep, eating, or resting patterns, it could be that the local or world news worries them. They may need to talk and tell you how they are feeling. You may need to reassure them that you are there to keep them safe. 

In today’s world, children’s schedules are packed so tight with things that we have been told are necessary to succeed. Children need time to unwind and be children. However, scheduling them with back-to-back activities or activities every evening after school is too much for many, if not all, children. 

They deserve time off. They need time to unwind; they need time with you and your family; and, most importantly, they need you and family time. Even more importantly, they need you to set an example for them of what it means to be balanced in life.

Clarity about what is important to you and your family will help you choose how to spend your time. Don’t be influenced by what others tell you your child “should” do. Instead, relax, be your best self, and practice what you know is best for you and your family.

I invite you to sign up for our newsletter. It is a great way to get the Virtue of the Month and tips on relationships, parenting, and self-care. In addition, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming classes for successful families.

To sign up, visit the “Newsletter” section here on the website. Enter your email address, and you’ll receive our newsletter in your inbox on Wednesdays.  I appreciate your interest in bringing out the best in your children and yourself. We look forward to keeping you informed through our newsletter!

7 Techniques You Can Use to Help Your Child Unwind

7 Techniques You Can Use to Help Your Child Unwind

by | Apr 3, 2023 | Parenting

Help Your Child Unwind

Have you ever had a great day with your family only to find your child isn’t quite ready for the fun to be over when bedtime comes around? And you are! In fact, you are more prepared than they are! Simply put, sometimes the world is just too fun to let go, meaning that now that the younger family members are so wound up, you, as a parent, know it will be a long night.

What if you could help your child unwind after even the best or most exciting day so they could quickly fall asleep at a reasonable hour? Don’t you believe it? Then, try these techniques and see what happens. These practices with your child may be great for both of you.

Physical activity: Take a walk. A little exercise can go a long way toward unwinding. It will help them burn off a little energy in a controlled manner. The best part of walking, though, is that you get to unwind right along with them. You might be surprised to find out you need this downtime every bit as much as they do.

Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing. Encourage your child to take deep breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling through the mouth. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Take a warm bath. A warm bath can help your child relax their muscles and ease tension. Add calming essential oils, such as lavender, to the water for an extra soothing effect. Soft music or ambient sounds designed for bedtime or relaxation might help them to unwind further.

Screen-free time: Limit your child’s screen time and encourage them to engage in activities such as reading or drawing. Your child might enjoy drawing or writing about their day as part of remembering it. Or if they’re not old enough to be this articulate or want to be creative, you can give them some clay or other art materials and let them create whatever they feel like.

Stretching or yoga: Gentle stretching or yoga poses can help your child release tension and calm their mind. Try simple poses like the downward-facing dog, child’s, or butterfly poses.

Mindful meditation: Encourage your child to focus on the present moment and let go of any worries or distractions. You can use guided meditation apps or have them focus on their breath for a few minutes.

Snuggle time: Spending some quiet time snuggling with your child can be comforting and relaxing for both of you. It can be a time to talk about the day, share stories, and connect emotionally.

Bedtime routine: Even if you’re going to bed later than usual, following your typical bedtime routine will help them wind down and slip into the idea that it’s time to go to bed. It’s vital to follow portions of this routine even if you’re late, as your child already has a strong connection with it, and you want to disturb this process of unwinding as little as possible.

Overall, finding what works best for your child and their individual needs is essential. Every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Experiment with different techniques and find what helps your child unwind and relax the most. Choose what they’re naturally inclined to do. Some kids process better through talk, others through physical activity. Learn what works best for your child and go from there.

I invite you to sign up for our newsletter. It is a great way to get the Virtue of the Month and tips on relationships, parenting, and self-care. In addition, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming classes for successful families.

To sign up, visit the “Newsletter” section here on the website. Enter your email address, and you’ll receive our newsletter in your inbox on Wednesdays.  I appreciate your interest in bringing out the best in your children and yourself. We look forward to keeping you informed through our newsletter!