Kids of all ages need time to relax, refresh and recharge, just as much as their older counterparts. The need for this only increases as they get more active in school or extracurricular activities. Self-care activities can be just the ticket to help kids slow down, relax and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. So, are you looking for self-care ideas for kids to help them refresh and reset? Keep reading as Photo Find MCC shares essential strategies below.
Conquer Mental Health Issues
Is your child feeling overwhelmed by school and social responsibilities? This is quite normal as one in four children today deal with anxiety or depression on an ongoing basis. However, helping your child deal with these symptoms will be critical for their overall wellbeing. Accessing mental health services virtually may be a good solution. It is convenient, secure, private, and less of a commitment than in-person sessions. You’ll also have a broader range of licensed professionals to choose from and offset the costs of therapy and traveling to your appointment. Many therapists also offer a complimentary consultation to ensure you find the best match for your child.
Encourage Movement and Exercise
Children need to be getting a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. Doing so will keep your child physically fit and active but also help improve their mood, creativity, productivity, and relaxation. Encourage your child to try different forms of movement to find one that brings them the most happiness and joy. For some children, dance and creative physical exploration will be the way.
For others, movements like kung fu may offer mental and physical health benefits. You could also purchase toys and exercise equipment to encourage them to try new ways of working out. To get the best bang for your buck, find home product reviews here so you buy products that have staying power and will be worth the money.
Time for a Getaway – Maybe Even Disney!
Doing things as a family, including fun getaways, is a great way to practice coping strategies. Consider, for example, going to a Disney theme park, something that everyone will love. Not only will you spend quality time with the kids, but they’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. You can do this on a budget, too. Deals and discounts can be had for your next Disney trip at Mouse Life Today, which also features the latest Disney-related news and a rewards program.
Listen to Music
Music therapy is one of the most effective ways to help your child feel their best. Research has shown that music relaxes our nervous system and induces a rush of endorphins, increasing overall happiness. Children will find it easier to deal with life’s stressful events when they have music to fall back on that they love. Want to go the extra mile? You could sign your child up for musical instruments or singing lessons. Not only will this give them a hobby for life, but they will also have a healthy coping mechanism to reset and refresh.
Art and Story Time
Creating art and telling stories both come with similar benefits for children. These activities help a child’s development, creativity, mental faculty, out-of-the-box thinking, and more. Primrose Schools notes that reading and writing stories can also help develop literacy skills and lead to a lifelong enjoyment of books. Creating art such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and scribbling can help develop motor skills and leads to greater control over mental faculties. Both are activities kids typically love, so be sure to encourage them to try different expressions of their creativity! This will also provide them with excellent coping responses for situations that are emotionally charged or difficult for them to handle.
Encouraging your child to take up self-care from a young age is one of the best gifts you can give them. Haymarket Children’s Academy points out that developing a routine where they know how to care for themselves will benefit them as they grow into adulthood. After all, learning how to keep yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy is one of the greatest values out there!
