Doing it all?
Mom burnout is a common but often overlooked part of modern motherhood. Juggling work, caregiving, emotional labor, and constant responsibilities for scheduling, meals, drives etc. can lead to a “different kind of tired”. Experts suggest making small shifts in habits and daily expectations to recover energy and gently reconnect. And, most of all taking time to realize that exhaustion shouldn’t be considered a personal failure… just a warning sign.
Source: Value Core Mental Health
3-3-3 for anxiety
Want to help little ones to come back from their spiraling thoughts? Try what’s called the 3-3-3 rule. It’s a mindfulness strategy that brings them back to reality. When using this tactic you simply ask them to name three things they can see, three things they can hear and to move three different parts of their bodies. The plan is to have them focus on what you’ve asked rather than what could happen next or in the future.
Source: dontpanicdothis.com
Adaptive capacity
Described as the ability to modify or change positively when plans change, adaptive capacity allows us to operate more effectively, remain calm under pressure and even seize new opportunities when things change. People with this skill operate at 85 per cent most of the time with the knowledge that they can call on their 15 percent reserve when it’s needed. Something to think about when it comes to dealing with the everyday challenges of parenting.
Source: The 1-day refund
Sip Smarter
The first study was conducted to investigate how drinking apple juice affects the protective qualities of saliva and if acidic drinks interfere with oral hygiene. Using tribology, protein analysis and real-time monitoring of salivary films, scientists found apple juice was temporarily disruptive. However, they discovered within 10 minutes, the effects began wearing off thanks to saliva’s rapid recovery abilities. Cautionary note: significant daily exposure may still overwhelm saliva repairing.
Source: University of Portsmouth
Youth and self-harm
More prevalent during adolescence, in females and for those who are marginalized, self-harm happens when people injure themselves on purpose. Watch for unexplained cuts, burns and scars or clothing worn to cover up evidence. Connecting with a trusted person, mental health professional or school counsellor to discuss treatment options like support groups, dialectical or cognitive behaviour therapy to work through feelings and emotions is recommended.
Source: cmha.ca
Sunscreen Myths
UVA doesn’t just cause aging and UVB doesn’t just cause sunburn. They can both cause cancer. Also… Wearing SPF 50 doesn’t mean you can be in the sun 50 times longer. Know that: • The higher the SFP rating the more protection provided. • Most people apply too little sunscreen and are getting more UV exposure than expected. • Reapply at least every two hours during the day plus right after swimming or sweating.
Source: Canada.ca
Images: Sai De Silva. Jeremiah Lawrence. Shutterstock. Natalia Blauth. cmha.ca.
