Panel Discussion: in the wake of COVID-19, how can we make sure our school staff is cared for?
Can you have a “night out” without leaving the comfort of your home? Sure!
Despite how much we may yearn for our sweats when we are working away from home all day, they may get old eventually.
Lots of us have fun weekend outings we look forward to all week long where we can dress up and get out to do something cultured or meaningful to us. This COVID-19 quarantine situation may offer an opportunity to have the best of both worlds!
Set a date with your family where you all shower, dress up, do your hair and makeup, and meet on the couch at a certain time. Agree on some virtual options for your night out in your living room. Lots of museums are giving virtual tours, student performers are posting their cancelled performances, and zoos are offering learning opportunities for the whole family!
Use some of these links to get started and enjoy your “night out—but in!”
Travel+Leisure: Museums with Virtual Tours
A mindful walk is an excellent way to clear your mind of clutter and restore your sense of focus. It is also a great excuse to get out into nature. Several studies have shown that taking a break to look at or be in nature can have a rejuvenating effect on the brain, helping to free up your mind when you feel stuck and boosting levels of attention.
Incorporate mindful walking into your daily life in as little as 5-10 minutes a day by using all of your senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch — to bring awareness to your body and surroundings.
Here’s how to do it:
- As you walk, notice how your body feels.
- Pay attention to how your legs, feet and arms feel with each step you take.
- Feel the contact of your foot as it touches the ground and the movement of your body as you move into your next step.
- If you become lost in thought as you continue to walk, use the next step as an opportunity to start over.
- Now using your sense of sight. Look around and try to notice every detail.
- Using your sense of smell, notice any aromas or scents.
- Are you able to notice any tastes as you walk? Can you taste the air?
- Now using your sense of touch, notice the solidity of the earth beneath your feet.
- With openness and curiosity, notice any sensations, thoughts or feelings that arise, without lingering on anything in particular.
You can mindfully walk anywhere—outside while walking to work or school, for example, or inside while walking through the grocery store. You might find it helpful to use a guided audio track to get started. Try this short, 5 minute mindful walking track by Stop, Breathe & Think, or download the app to access mindful walking activities anytime, anywhere. Life is a journey. Enjoy a little peace of mind on the path toward your destination.
Source: MyLife
- What are two things on your bucket list?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What three words would you use to describe me?
- What is one thing I don’t know about you?
- Describe yourself in three words.
- What scares you?
- What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t?
- What is your proudest moment?
- What are your current goals?
- What do you think you want to do for a living?
- What is your favorite family tradition?
- What is your biggest success?
- If you could have a “re-do” of any day, what would it be?
- How are you feeling about your sports/hobbies/commitments?
- Is there something I can do to help you feel more supported?
- If you could take one responsibility off your plate for the next week, what would it be?
- Is there anything you’d like for me to know?
- Read the same chapter of a book each day and discuss it.
- Find a mutual interest in a TV show or movie and watch it together.
- Leave positive and encouraging notes for them around the house.
- Be present.
- Get up and move. Do activities together that at least make you break a sweat.
- Get lots of fresh air.
- Discover their abilities and challenge them.
- Be a good listener. Sometimes they just need you to listen. No advice, no direct-ing…only listening.
- Validate their feelings.
- They are never too old for hugs!
- Eat at least one meal together each day.
- Have schedules, rules, consequences and chores.
- Don’t expect perfection and have grace for one another.
- Encourage teenagers to follow their passions and help them learn how to go about this.
- Encourage a growth mindset and set goals together.