Tips for Avoiding Morning Stress

Reducing stress in the morning can make you feel less frustrated 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 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 morning meditation for five minutes. Morning Meditations permit you to focus and help 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. 

 

* Font and collage made in Photo Collage Editor Maker 

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

*Font, gray border, and water background from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

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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Painting Birds on Canvas (World Art Day)

 

Painting birds on canvas can take one or two days to paint. However, it is an easy painting project to do. It makes a nice decoration for any room or for decorating a desk. You can add a frame or use a picture pedestal to display the painted canvas. Here are the instructions for painting these love birds. 

Materials:

5 × 7 Canvas

Acrylic painting

Varied sizes of Paintbrushes

Q tips 

Gold Acrylic Metallic Paint

Paper towels

Bird stencil (optional)

Mod Podge 

Picture pedestal 

Instructions:

First, remove the plastic wrapping from the canvas. Paint the canvas one color. In this example, blue paint was used to paint the entire canvas. Then wait for the acrylic paint to dry. Next, draw and paint the birds with black paint.

You can use a stencil or draw the birds by hand. Use a thin paintbrush to draw the birds with the black paint. Paint the entire birds. Then paint the beaks and the feet. Using the same paint, paint the branches.

After that paint with a paintbrush the branches and the feet of the birds. Continue painting and adding the clouds. Use several colors to paint the two love birds. In the example, yellow paint, black, white, and gray paint was used. Last, continue shaping the bird feathers.

To paint the eyes of the birds, you will need a Q-Tip to make the small eyes. Also, in the example, a Q-Tip was used to paint the bird’s head yellow and the rest of the body. Nevertheless, a thinner paintbrush was used to paint the other half of the eyes and the body of the bird feathers. You can use any color to paint your love birds and for the flowers. Continue painting the rest of the birds, the beaks, and the feet. 

Add gold acrylic paint to emphasize the bird feathers. Continue painting the birds slowly. Painted green leaves. Wait for the paint to dry. Then paint flowers.

The flowers were painted with orange pink paint, white paint, and gold acrylic paint on the center of the flowers. Then gold acrylic paint was painted on the sides of the bird feathers. The branch was painted with black paint. While the beaks and the feet were painted with the same gray and white paint. Nonetheless, have fun painting your love birds on canvas. 

After everything is painted, paint your initials on the painted branch. Wait for the paint to dry before framing it or before displaying it on a picture pedestal. Use Mod Podge or a sealant spray to protect the acrylic paint. This painting tutorial can be done on World Art Day or anytime of the year. Happy World Art Day!

Every year on April 15th is World Art Day. This day is about the importance that art brings to our lives. Also, it is a day to enjoy art. Furthermore, it is a day to create your artworks and to express yourself through your artworks. Nonetheless, you can visit a museum online or in person to celebrate World Art Day. 

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Parkinson's Awareness Month

Approximately four percent of people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s before they become fifty years old. It is estimated that ten million people are living with Parkinson’s which is the second neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous system. The first common neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly and makes one hand to have tremors. Also, the body feels stiff and makes it difficult to walk, run, or do other body movements.

Parkinson’s disease affects sleep, body movement, and balancing. It affects the brain because there is a decrease in dopamine, and it impairs the activity of the brain which causes tremors. Dopamine is a natural hormone and a neurotransmitter that helps the brain to send messages to the body. The tremors are involuntary movements that causes the hands, arms, legs, and the body to shake and it is the first symptom of Parkinson’s disease. However, dancing, tai-chi, yoga, and other exercises can help improve balance and help with body movement.

Mindfulness can also help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Nonetheless, the entire month of April is recognized as National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Grey or silver ribbons can be worn throughout the month of April to bring an understanding of this disease. Also, red tulips are a symbol of Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s. You can donate to Parkinson’s foundation or participate in walking marathons.

In addition, you can share infographics and other researched information on social media for National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Begin a conversation about Parkinson’s disease. Get screened for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, or other neurodegenerative disease. Although there are no specific prevention tips for preventing Parkinson’s disease; It is recommended to have a balanced diet, regular exercise, and discussing with your primary doctor about Parkinson’s disease. Always consult with your primary doctor before practicing tai-chi, yoga, dancing, or other exercises especially if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s may be due to genetics, the environment, pesticides, stress, and other factors. However, there is no specific cause for Parkinson’s disease. Limit the number of fried foods, processed foods, and too much sugar. Avoid getting dehydrated. Here are resources for National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. 

Parkinson's Tips and Tricks-Parkinson's Daily:

Parkinson's Tips And Tricks - ParkinsonsDaily.com

Parkinson's Awareness Month-Parkinson's Foundation:

Parkinson's Awareness Month | Parkinson's Foundation

Benefits of Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease-Parkinson's Disease:

Benefits of Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease (parkinsonsdisease.net)

Mindfulness and Parkinson's-Parkinson's Organization UK:

Mindfulness and Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK (parkinsons.org.uk)

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Affirmations for Hope (National Month of Hope)

Recovering from addiction takes time and self-acceptance. It also helps to have family and friends to give you support through your process of recovering from your addiction. The entire month of April is dedicated to having hope in addiction recovery. Remind yourself the reasons for recovering from addictions and remind yourself why you want to end the addictions. Positive affirmations can motivate you and encourage you to continue recovering from addictions.

There is hope for recovering from addictions. During challenging times, positive affirmations can help you have hope. It allows you to have hope in yourself and hope for your family. Dedicate some time to give yourself encouragement or to someone who is recovering from addictions. Use the hashtag, #National Month of Hope to encourage and motivate someone with hope quotes or hope affirmations.

Practicing positive affirmations permits you to believe in yourself and to have hope. Positive affirmations can also help you to feel hope. To have hope gives you encouragement and self-acceptance. Hope makes you believe in your abilities, your strengths, and believe in possibilities. Here is a list of positive affirmations for your addiction recovery and for having hope throughout the National Month of Hope.

1. My addiction does not take charge of my life.
2. I am loved, appreciated, and have hope.
3. I am respected, loved, and a treasure.
4. My addiction does not strengthen me.
5. I have unconditional love for myself.
6. My addiction does not control me.
7. Hope encourages me.
8. I express my hope, love, and strength.
9. My strength is stronger than my addiction.
10. Hope is the tool that permits me to end my addiction.
11. Hope is the energy that fills me up each day.
12. I am strong and shimmer with hope. 
13. I have hope and believe in myself. 
14. The world gives me cheers and hope. 
15. My family and friends give me hope and smiles.

These positive affirmations can help you feel optimistic and encourage you. Seek professional help for addiction recovery. Be honest with yourself. Practice self-acceptance, self-love, and self-care as you recover. Here are resources about writing your positive affirmations for hope and addiction recovery. 

100 Positive Affirmations to Recover from an Addiction-Happier Human:

100 Positive Affirmations to Recover from an Addiction - Happier Human

Hope Affirmations to Stay Positive & Not Give Up- Motivation Ping:

Hope Affirmations To Stay Positive & Not Give Up (motivationping.com)

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Taking Care of Your Feet in the Spring

Taking care of your feet in the spring can reduce sweat, odors, and blisters. Sweat and odors are common during the warmer months of spring especially when exercising. To reduce sweat and odors from your feet, you can wash your feet with black tea or with apple cider vinegar. It is recommended to wash your feet once or twice a week to reduce sweat and odors. Corn starch or baking soda can be used to reduce odors from your feet and your shoes. 

Change your shoes and rotate the shoes your shoes every two weeks. Spray rubbing alcohol or a foot odors spray in your shoes. Clean and wash your shoes with baking soda and lemon juice. Have two pairs of clean socks especially after exercising. Use cotton socks or moisture wicking socks that reduce sweat. 

Use shoe insoles with charcoal or other ingredients to reduce foot odors. Clean your shoe insoles when you clean your shoes. If you get blisters on your feet, use bandages to cover them. Use foot powder, lotion, or oil to prevent odors or blisters from your feet. Wear the right size of shoes for your feet and avoid too tight shoes.

Make sure you are comfortable wearing your shoes. Check the spaces from the front and back of the shoes. Purchase an arch support insole for your shoes. Walk slowly when trying on shoes in the store. Select shoes with canvas, cotton, or other materials that make your feet sweat less. 

Change your tennis shoes every six to eight months. Some shoes might need to be replaced every three months depending on how much you wear your shoes. Make sure your shoes have no holes, nails, or threads hanging out of the materials. Also, inspect your shoes for cracks. Avoid wearing too tight toe rings when wearing sandals. 

Inspect your feet. Remove nail polish from the nails of your feet. Do not leave old nail polish on your nails for a month. Check your feet with your primary doctor. Here are resources for preventing odors, blisters, and sweaty feet. 

 

Blisters Be Gone-Seven Strategies to Prevent Blisters:

How to Prevent Blisters on Feet: 9 Tips to Keep in Mind (verywellfit.com)

Sweaty Feet-12 Ways to Prevent and Get Rid of Them:

Sweaty feet: 12 tips to prevent and get rid of them (medicalnewstoday.com)

8 Ways to Get the Smell Out of Shoes-Health: 

8 Ways To Get the Smell Out of Shoes (health.com)

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How to do Mindful Touching?

Mindful touching helps couples to spend time together and it increases an emotional bond. Touching your partner can help you practice self-compassion, self-confidence, self-assurance, and self-acceptance. It also communicates trust, love, respect, and helps build a stronger relationship with your partner. As well as giving a boost of satisfaction in your relationship and relaxation for both partners. Yet, Mindful touching is about being aware of how you touch your partner and how you connect with your partner’s emotions.

It permits you to slow down, take your time, and to observe your partner. Observe your partner’s reactions and how your partner responds to you in a nonverbal manner. Sit in front of your partner and practice mindful touching before going to work or before going to sleep. Mindful touching can be done by closing your eyes while your partner holds your hand. Breathing slowly and relaxing for five minutes.

Ask permission from your partner before doing mindful touching. Create a comfortable environment before practicing mindful touching. Add cushions, pillows, and enough lighting to the room. Use pillows to support your spines. Also, include a gratitude journal to write in it after practicing mindful touching.

Take turns practicing mindful touching. Touch your partner’s face while your partner has their eyes closed. Observe your partner’s face, wrinkles, birthmarks, and other imperfections. Then, touch your partner’s hair, earrings, and accessories on their hands. Last, touch your partner’s feet.

End the mindful touching with a hug. While you practice mindful touching, focus on your breathing and your partner’s breathing. Mindful touching can be done in silence or with soft instrumental music. Aromatherapy can be incorporated if your partner has a tough time relaxing. Also, mindful touching can be done by standing up or by laying down in a comfortable position.

Another way to end mindful touching is giving your partner a rose or their favorite flower. Hold the rose for five minutes and hug your partner. Touching your partner in silence can help you focus more on your partner. Mindful touching for couples can improve your relationship and make a couple feel closer. Here are more resources about mindful touching for couples. 

Nic Kolbe- Touch Meditation:

Touch Meditation Technique for Mindful Sensations (nic-kolbe.com)

Psychology Today-Finding Balance in Mindfulness:

Finding Balance in Mindfulness: The Technique of "Touch & Go" | Psychology Today

* Font, background, borders, and artwork created in Photo Collage Editor Maker 

National Couple Appreciation Month

National Couple Appreciation Month is in April of every year which is about showing how much your partner means to you. It is about finding ways to show your support and showing your gratitude towards your partner. As well as rekindling one's love for your partner by strengthening your romantic relationship. Saying thank you to your partner for the things he or she does for you. Being grateful without complaining about the things he or she has not done for you.

Appreciate each other as a couple to strengthen your communication. Learn and understand your partner's body language. Observe your partner’s behavior. Show them physical affection, support, and your love language as you appreciate them. Here is a list of things you can do to appreciate your partner.

1. Compliment your partner.
2. Offer to help your partner even if they do not ask for your help.
3. Cook together as a couple.
4. Meditate or practice mindfulness together.
5. Do Yoga together.
6. Practice positive affirmations together.
7. Appreciate your partner's concern.
8. Practice Loving-kindness meditation.
9. Practice writing a gratitude or appreciation journal together.
10. Practice mindful touching.
11. Walking or running meditation.
12. Check in with each other when you do emotional distancing or emotional space when it is needed.

Do things as a couple without forcing it. Do walking meditation together while holding hands or one arm around your partner’s torso. Learn your partner’s way of showing affection. Often too much touching might not be recommended especially if one partner prefers to have limited physical affection. Understand your partner’s comfort level, boundaries, and how they want to receive physical affection.

Also, practicing mindful touching might help your partner to release their fears from being intimate. Mindful touching permits both of you to practice self-compassion, self-respect, and self-gratitude. It assists in relaxation and helps both of you to communicate slowly without rushing what you need to tell them. Sit in silence in a lotus pose or in a comfortable pose. Sit face to face and hold hands.

Touch your partner’s face, hair, and have them close their eyes. Touch your partner slowly and observe how they feel. It must not feel uncomfortable for both of you. Often when doing mindful touching, you might have to ask them permission on where you want to touch your partner as you quietly practice this form of mindfulness. Yet, practicing mindful touching can strengthen your emotional bond and make it easier to be intimate with your partner.

Dedicate some time throughout the month of April to appreciate your partner. Help them with chores if they feel too tired, too overwhelmed, or for their self-care. Practice giving each other a hug before going to work or before going to sleep. Find ways to enjoy being with your partner and consult with a couple's therapist if needed to strengthen your relationship. Here are resources for National Appreciation Couple Month. 

Do You Feel Appreciated by Your Partner:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/202211/do-you-feel-appreciated-your-partner

8 Ways to Show Appreciation to the Love of Your Life:

https://www.marriage.com/advice/love/8-ways-to-show-appreciation-to-the-love-of-your-life/

10 Couples Mindfulness Exercises to Enhance Your Relationship-This Mindful Space:

10 Couples Mindfulness Exercises To Enhance Your Relationship - This Mindful Space

* Font, artwork, background, and collage made in Photo Collage Editor Maker 

Ideas for Denim Day 2024

 

On the last Wednesday of April of every year, you can participate in Denim Day. Wearing denim jeans or any other accessory made from denim can help support survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence. As well as donating to Peace over Violence for healing and prevention programs. Share informative information on social media and use the hashtag, #Denim Day. Men can participate in Denim Day by wearing denim, a denim day button, or a cap to spread awareness of ending sexual violence.

Also, by taking a pledge and sharing your pledge on social media. If you are in college, you can participate in Denim Day by wearing denim and participating in conversations while you are having coffee or tea. Discuss what is consent and what is not consent. Additionally, include topics about preventing sexual assault, sexual harassment, abuse, and rape. Make posters or make denim flowers and pass out stickers on Denim Day.

Print out coloring pages and begin a conversation about sexual assault and sexual violence. Find and learn the facts about sexual assault, sexual violence, rape, sexual harassment, and other topics. Sexual violence is defined as an unwanted sexual activity and sexual assault is defined as any sexual contact without consent. Nonetheless, understanding the differences of consent and without consent is one way to prevent it. Yet, it is necessary to attend and to participate in preventive programs in your college or in your community about sexual violence prevention.

Get resources about sexual health and preventing sexual violence. If you are in high school, you can also participate in Denim Day by wearing denim and sharing social media graphics on your social media pages. Make a denim pin, decorate your denim, make denim badges, and use denim accessories. As well as making denim hair pieces or adding denim shoelaces to your shoes. Nevertheless, participating in Denim Day is about wearing denim and bringing an awareness of preventing sexual violence.

Understand that there are no excuses for rape, abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence. Print out articles about preventing sexual violence. Light a denim candle or a teal candle for sexual assault awareness. Give out white roses, peace lilies, cosmos, pincushion flower, or other flowers that symbolize peace on Denim Day or have an arrangement of flowers before you begin the conversation of preventing sexual violence. Here are resources about Denim Day. 

Denim Day-Peace over Violence:

Denim Day — Peace Over Violence

Denim Day Toolkit-Turning Point:

Denim Day Toolkit | turningpoint (turningpointdv.org)

* Men Jeans Png Clip Art:

Men Jeans PNG HD Image - PNG All | PNG All

* Skinny Jean Png Clip Art:

Skinny Jean PNG Photo | PNG Arts

* Background, stars, borders, and font from PiZap

DIY Love Painted Rock

Painting rocks and giving rocks for encouragement can make someone feel better. Love painted rocks can be used to decorate for weddings, Valentine's Day, and for any other occasion. Also, painted love rocks can be used to decorate a bedroom dresser or any room. It can also be displayed on a bookshelf or on a fireplace mantal. Here is the tutorial for painting this love rock. 

Materials:

Paintbrushes

Acrylic paint 

Mod Podge, Paint Spray Sealer, or Clear Nail Polish 

Paper plate or a reusable plate 

Rocks

Old cloth or paper towels

Instructions: 

Wash and dry the rocks or let the rocks air dry on an old cloth or a paper towel. Next, paint one rock with a paintbrush and acrylic paint. Pour a small amount of paint on a reusable plate and use a dry paint brush to paint the rock. However, if you have a wet paint brush, you might need to add several layers of paint on the rock. Wait for the paint to dry. 

Paint hearts on the rock. In this example two hearts were painted on the rock. Next, another color of paint was added to outline the heart. Wait for the paint to dry. Last the word, " Love" was painted on the rock.

Wait for the paint to dry. Use a paint spray sealer, Mod Podge, or clear nail polish to protect the painted rock. Painted rocks can also inspire you or anyone that needs encouragement throughout the day. Wait for the rock to get dry before displaying it on your dresser, desk, or other areas of your home. Have fun painting!

 

* Font and collage made in Photo Collage Editor Maker