Playing outside is a very crucial part of childhood and recent studies have shown that outdoor play has some benefits mental health. Researchers have have found that exercising in natural environment has actually improved individuals’ mood and self-esteem. Additionally, recent studies have shown spending time outdoors is beneficial and sometimes necessary for both kids and…
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Here is a great breathing exercise for any age. We should all consider deep breathing everyday because it is a simple and free coping mechanism that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve a range of emotional issues! You can work it into a daily routine or think of a situation that occurs a lot…
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Want to know the easiest habit to promote good mental health? Drinking water! That’s right, research shows that the brain needs water to function properly. Without it we are more likely to experience depression, attention and focus problems, and memory impairment. This is in addition to cognitive problems like a reduction in the ability to…
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Journaling effectively has many positive outcomes and it could greatly improve not only mental health, but also the overall quality of life. Journaling is a great way to help you clear your mind, make connections between thoughts and behaviors, and reduce the likelihood of mental illness. As parents, we know that we should model positive…
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Apologizing is a tricky thing. Some of us over-apologize, while some of us find it very difficult to say the words. This post is about how to heal relationships when we have truly done wrong. It starts with us as parents. It can be hard to admit when we’ve handled something wrong with our child.…
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We all know that asking “How was your day?” often gets us a one word response. What if we used this opportunity to ask a more intentional question? If we make a daily or near daily habit of it (perfection isn’t required here!), it will demonstrate to our child that their growth is important to…
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Positive self-talk can have a big impact on how we think and feel. Over time, engaging in more positive self-talk can help reduce stress, improve self-esteem, increase motivation, inspire productivity, and improve overall mental and physical health. Educators, counselors, and parents can have a huge role in helping kids and young adults develop a greater…
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Sleep. It’s a basic need for our brain but it’s one we often ignore. A tired brain doesn’t learn as well and a tired brain isn’t as mentally healthy. In fact, the cycle between sleep deprivation and mental illness is well-documented. Lack of sleep is a risk factor for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.…
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While you are supporting and helping your child who may be in crisis, it is especially important for you as a parent or caregiver to also take care of yourself. Practicing self-care does not mean you are choosing yourself over your loved one. It simply means that you are being mindful of your own needs…
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OKPTA Cultivate 