Out & About Winter 2019

Out&About wellbeing

EDUCATION

Think about Christmas presents that can bring the family together and draw your child away from screentime. AMANDA BAILEY suggests some simple alternatives

M any people recognise the key role technology plays in learning and development, however, in a recent survey 67 per cent of parents expressed concern that their child spends too much time online. They are often continuously waiting for messages on social media platforms, rewards for completing challenges or repeating a chase, fight, dodge or sequence on a video game – this means the nervous system is in a constant state of high alert. To counterbalance the chemistry frequently fostered by compulsive behaviour in this digital age, find inspiration by choosing tech-free Christmas gifts for the young people in your family. To quieten the mind, train the brain to focus on the here and now, choose art and craft materials, colouring books, construction toys, relaxation scripts, books and CDs. Build a comfort and calm box with stocking fillers such as fidget cubes and spinners, squishies, shimmies, glitter wands, liquid timers, tangles, kaleidoscopes and sensory balls. They’ll help reduce adrenalin levels, and increase calmness and relaxation. Learning to control your breath, allows an individual to reconnect with their true nature in an instant. Choose bubble pots, pin wheels, blow football and karaoke toys – all of these simple practices help you connect with your breath

A healthy body promotes a healthy mind Opt for gifts such as dance mats, bikes, trampolines or scooters. Or maybe try, paddle boarding, rock climbing or den building in the woods. There are lots of fun games too for the whole family: Headbanz, Exploding Kittens (no kittens die) and Bop it, to name just a few. Share puzzles, cook together or sign up for a special family adventure. These experiences create bonds to share long after the day has ended. Confidence and self belief are nutrition for the human mind Choose from a range of options: Unstoppable Me by Wayne Dyer, affirmation books, cards and posters. Encourage a young person’s dreams – footballer, palaeontologist, scientist, writer, chef, princess – and remember to keep expanding their horizons. What better time to invest in the whole family than the festive season? As we know, mental wellbeing like the archetypal dog, is not just for Christmas. Family time should be an all-the-year-round occurence. Here is a typical response from a concerned parent, after the first ‘Be Together’ session: ‘It’s hard to remember the last time we spent 10 minutes together, happily as a family. I can’t believe we’ve just spent an hour and a half having so much fun.’ On completing the course, the feedback was music to my ears.

Breathing tip The Box Breath is famous for being used by US Navy SEALs in difficult situations. Should you need to take a moment over Christmas for whatever life throws at you try this: 1 Take a moment to notice the physical sensations of the breath as you inhale and exhale. Breathe in for the count of four and out for the count of four 2 On the exhale, expel all the air from your lungs and count to four – try not to force your breath out 3 Breathe in through your nose into your tummy, expanding up into your chest, then collarbone for a count of four 4 Hold the breath, for a count of four – keep your shoulders down 5 Exhale through your nose for a count of four 6 Draw the four sides of a box (in- structions 2-5), to visually aid this breathing exercise. Continue this breathing pattern for 5-10 minutes – notice how much calmer you feel. If you find four counts tricky, reduce.

If you’d like to find out more, visit www.beberkshire.co.uk or send an email to: amanda@beberkshire.co.uk or call/text on 07909502667

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O&A WINTER 2019