Tips for Avoiding Morning Stress

Reducing stress in the morning can make you feel less frustrations and stops you from rushing your morning routine. In the morning, take your time to see the sunlight coming from your windows. Open your curtains and feel the warmth from your windows. Do alternate nostril breathing or say a mantra while breathing slowly. Enjoy seeing the scenery from your window.

Let the natural lighting to come inside all the rooms. This can help you have a better mood in the morning. Also, it helps you focus and feel productive. It helps you reduce your stress. As well as helping your eyes to adjust to the natural lighting after waking up. 

Stretch your body in front of the window and practice gratitude meditation. Give thanks. Stretching in the morning can help you relax and give you relief from temporary muscle pain. Do neck and shoulder rolls, side bends, knee rolls, and spinal twists. Then do a side stretch and a shoulder stretch. Rest between each stretching exercise. 

Give yourself a hug. If you are sitting down, do not stand up quickly. Do not rush to make breakfast. Before you do your morning household chores, practice a morning meditation for five minutes. Morning Meditations permit you to focus and helps you calm down before making your bed.

Use a guided morning meditation and close your eyes. Write a personal mantra and use the same mantra throughout the day. Drink water before having your breakfast. Practice mindfulness while having your breakfast. Get dressed slowly and smile after getting dressed. 

Say positive affirmations aloud in front of the mirror or say an affirmation in your garden. Apply a scented lotion or wash your hands with scented soap to help you relax before going to work. Create a calming morning routine by listening to relaxing music and doing deep breathing exercises. Consult with your doctor if you feel anxious in the morning. Here are resources for National Stress Awareness Month. 

Calming Stretches:

https://www.ableto.com/self-care/calming-stretches/

Guided Meditations-Morning Meditation for Stress Relief:

https://insighttimer.com/laragrant/guided-meditations/morning-meditation-for-stress-relief

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Hope for Child Abuse Prevention (Child Abuse Prevention Month 2024)

 

Every year there is a different theme for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year the theme is “Building A Hopeful Future, together” which is about giving support to families and to children by having resources and support services in the community. Child abuse and child neglect can be prevented at home. Learning parenting skills and being optimistic. Attending programs that teach parenting skills with positivity and learning child development can help you understand your child.

Also be cautious, prepared, and be informed about your child attending a slumber party. Have a discussion with your child about saying no when they feel uncomfortable. In the discussion include a conversation about feeling safe and to say no to inappropriate touching. Also, have a specific code word to let you know when they are not safe so they can use it in a text message or in a telephone conversation. As well as getting the details about the slumber party and the sleeping arrangements before attending the sleepover.

It is necessary to know the details because older children cannot sleep in the same bed as younger children. Furthermore, parents cannot sleep with their children or with other children even if it is a slumber party. Be vigilant and do online research about the sex offenders registry. Be aware of the surroundings and if you feel uncomfortable once you arrive at the sleepover; Leaving the person’s home is fine. Always make an exit plan and an excuse to leave the slumber party.

In addition to your child’s safety, it is important to make sure that they understand about feeling safe at school, at home, or at a friend’s home. Have frequent conversations about feeling safe and anything else that might be bothering them. Review safety rules and be informed about new friendships that they have at school. Moreover, let them know that they can call you at any time and not just for an emergency. Get to know the parents of your child’s friends.

Dedicate some time to getting to know your child. Throughout the month of April, you can wear blue to bring awareness of child abuse prevention. Light a blue candle or use blue luminaries to decorate your garden for child abuse prevention month. There is hope for future families and children not to experience child abuse and neglect. Here are resources for Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

Safe Sleepovers-Alliance for Children: 

Safe Sleepovers | Alliance For Children

Prevention Strategies-Child Abuse and Neglect-Violence Prevention-Injury Center-CDC:

Prevention Strategies|Child Abuse and Neglect|Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC

Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse-Prevent Child Abuse America:

Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse | Prevent Child Abuse America

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How to do an Afternoon Tea Ceremony at Home?

Drinking a cup of hot tea in the afternoon helps you slow down and to practice mindfulness. Even if you do not practice mindfulness, it permits you to take a break from your daily tasks at work or at home. It helps your mind to refresh and to calm down, to help you relax. The difficult aspect is selecting the type of tea you want to drink in the afternoon. One type of tea to try in the afternoon is Darjeeling tea which is black tea with a sweet fruit flavor.

It has a calming effect due to its delightful fruit aroma. Another tea to try in the afternoon is English Afternoon tea which is also black tea. However, if you like green tea, you might like Jasmine Green Tea, Green Tea with Lemon, Green Tea with Mint, Pineapple Ginger Green Tea, or ginger Peach Green Tea. Yet, if you like chocolate, you might like Peppermint Chocolate Tea. Nevertheless, no matter what type of tea you select to drink in the afternoon, keep in mind the flavors of your selected snack to go with your afternoon tea.

Sometimes the snacks flavor might take over your taste buds which makes it difficult to taste the tea. Therefore, keeping your snacks simple in its flavor can permit you to taste the tea and to enjoy drinking it. Make sure there are no interruptions to enjoy drinking your tea. Also, if your child wants to participate in a tea ceremony at home, you might want to try caffeine free and sugar free tea. Before you begin a tea ceremony with your children, consult with their pediatrician or with their doctor if it is all right for them to try white tea, green tea, black tea, or any other type of tea.

Children at twelve years old can participate in a tea ceremony at home. You can select specific teas made for children such as berry tea, strawberry tea, mango and orange, strawberry and lemon tea, or any other tea that their doctor recommends. Prepare the table with a tablecloth, a tea set, serving utensils, napkins, and small bite size snacks to do a tea ceremony at home. Additionally, they can help decorate the dining table and it can help them take a break from homework. This can be done once a month and they can also practice mindfulness at their age level.

Dress up for your tea ceremony at home. Avoid wearing jewelry, perfume, and cologne. This is done so you can enjoy the aroma of the teas that will be served during the tea ceremony. A tea ceremony lasts for eight minutes to forty-five minutes depending on the number of guests for the tea ceremony. Nonetheless, everyone can participate in a tea ceremony at home.

Select teas that your family and friends like before beginning your afternoon tea ceremony. The entire month of April is National Afternoon Tea. You can use the hashtag, “# National Afternoon Tea Day” or “# National Afternoon Tea Month “on social media. As well as using positive affirmations while you drink your tea. Here are resources for National Afternoon Tea Month. 

Tea for Kids-Everything You Need to Know-Mom Junction:

Tea for Kids- Everything You Need to Know | MomJunction

Top 15 Teas for the Best Afternoon Tea-Rosie Loves Tea:

Top 15 Teas for the Best Afternoon Tea — Rosie Loves Tea

10 Best Teas for Afternoon Tea-The Cup of Life:

10 Best Teas for Afternoon Tea - The Cup of Life (theteacupoflife.com)

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DIY Hummingbird Painting on Canvas

Decorating a child's room does take a lot of planning and effort. However, having a theme for decorating the room does make it easier. If your child likes hummingbirds, then you might want to try making a hummingbird painting. Painting on canvas makes a quick personalized painting for their bedroom. Use their favorite colors and they will enjoy their picture framed canvases. 

They can paint their hummingbird using a stencil or by hand. Nonetheless, after they are done painting, you can add Mod Podge or paint spray sealant. Let it air dry. Then display the painting on a pedestal or a frame. Here are the instructions for this do-it-yourself hummingbird painting. 

Materials:

5 × 7 canvas 

Acrylic paint 

Assorted sizes of Paintbrushes

Q Tips 

Paper towels, magazines, or old cloths

Picture Display Pedestal or a frame 

Hummingbird stencil (optional)

Paper plate or reusable plate 

Instructions:

Place paper towels, old magazines, or a cloth to protect your counter or table. However, if you do get paint on the table, you can wash it off with soap and water. Begin painting the canvas with one color. Next, draw and paint the hummingbird using a stencil or without a stencil. Use a reusable plate or a paper plate to squeeze tiny amounts of paint so you can dip the paintbrush.

 

Continue adding a flower and the clouds to the painting. You might need a q tip to make the eyes and a little bit of texture for painting the bird on canvas. Add multiple colors to paint the flower and to paint the hummingbird. Nonetheless, metallic acrylic paint was used to paint the head and feathers of the hummingbird. Have fun painting your hummingbird on canvas. 

To protect the paint use Mod Podge or paint spray sealant. Also, make sure that the canvas fits in a picture frame. Another way is by displaying your painted canvas on a picture pedestal. It can be displayed on a dresser table or end table with a lamp. Last, make sure you can see the painted canvases in the room. 

 

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Coloring Cards of Birds for Mother's Day

Today, I created two coloring cards with birds for Mother’s Day or for any other occasion. One coloring card has two hummingbirds and a flower. The second coloring card has two birds with musical notes and hearts. These hand drawn coloring cards are free and for your personal use. Happy Mother’s Day in advance!

 

* Font and background from Photo Collage Editor Maker

What is Poem in Your Pocket Day?

Today is Poem in Your Pocket Day which is about sharing a poem with someone. Poem in Your Pocket Day began in 2002. In 2008 the Academy of American Poets officially declared it to bring awareness of sharing poetry. Every year on April 18th, you can share a poem that you carry in your pocket which can uplift and motivate someone. Reading poetry and sharing poetry is inspirational, comforting, and encouraging.

You can draft a short poem on a piece of paper. Then, you can fold your poem into origami or a simple folding technique to carry it in your pocket. After that ask someone if they like poetry and read them the poem from your pocket. Sometimes reading poetry can be an icebreaker to begin a group project or to begin a friendship with someone at school. Also, you can write poetry with your friends and read each other’s poems. 

Another way to celebrate poetry month is by drinking tea and reading poetry aloud. Have a poetry book club with your friends. Read a poem at night before going to sleep. Draft a romantic poem and put it in your partner's pocket for them to read during their work break. Draw or paint and draft a poem to go with your artwork. 

Although Poem in Your Pocket is celebrated in one day; You can continue drafting poems and putting them in pockets throughout the entire month of April. Write and express how you feel. Make a paper heart, snowflakes, or another shape to draft your poem. Surprise your partner with a romantic poem to make a stronger emotional bond. Handwritten poems can make your partner feel appreciated. 

Frame your poem after sharing it with someone. Draft a poem based on your dreams. Print out poems to put in your pocket to help you feel optimistic. Nevertheless, you can share your poem anytime to feel relaxed and to make someone smile. Here are website links about Poem in Your Pocket Day. 

Poem in Your Pocket Day-Academy of American Poets:

Poem in Your Pocket Day | Academy of American Poets

Poem in Your Pocket-Poets House:

Poem In Your Pocket - Poets House

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Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month 2024

 

Autism Acceptance Month began in 2011 to bring an understanding of Autism. Yet, Autism Awareness Month was changed to Autism Acceptance Month in 2021. Therefore, this momentous change has brought more awareness of autism spectrum disorder through education and a better understanding of ASD. Also, with acceptance there is a respect for one’s uniqueness and special abilities and talents. This year’s theme for Autism Acceptance Month is “Celebrate Differences.” 

You can participate in Autism Acceptance Month by sharing resources that educate and resources of community events in your city or town. Use the hashtag, “# Celebrate Differences” on social media. As well as wearing a pin, necklace, or a bracelet with the infinity symbol. You can also wear a puzzle piece ribbon or a puzzle piece pin that is a symbolism of autism and it brings an awareness of ASD. Additionally, these symbols symbolize acceptance and understanding of autism.

Often acceptance is difficult for a parent, for a family member, or for a friend. However, the more resources and educational resources available, it becomes easier to understand ASD and to learn to respect. At the beginning it might seem frustrating as a parent but one must understand autism to take care of your child. Use free resources, infographics, and other researched information for adding messages for Autism Acceptance Month on social media. The other hashtags that are used are “#Autism Acceptance Month,” “#Autism Awareness,” and “#Neurodiversity.” 

If you are an adult with autism, find out about resources, support services, and student services in your college. Also, find out about jobs through your college job resources day. Do not feel discouraged. There are many jobs such as data entry, journalism, accounting, and other careers that are excellent for getting a college degree. Lastly celebrate your accomplishments and abilities. 

Throughout the entire month of April, you can learn more about autism and get resources at your child’s school about ASD. Donate for autism research. Read books about autism and participate in walking marathons. Participate in events in your community and take online seminar classes about Autism. Here are resources for Autism Acceptance Month. 

Autism Acceptance Month-Autism Society:

Autism Acceptance Month | Autism Society %

Autism Education & Resources-Autism Speaks:

Autism Education & Resources | Autism Speaks

* Free Clip art for Autism from Vecteezy: 

värld autism medvetenhet dag. färgrik pussel hand design tecken. symbol av autism. medicinsk platt illustration. sjukvård 21437130 PNG (vecteezy.com)

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