Over four million people died because of Covid-19. It caused the global economy to collapse. All of this uncertainty brings severe emotional trauma. Even children feel distressed. How can we make our kids feel better?
Celebrities have opened up about their struggles. Hearing them made us more conscious of mental health issues. It made us realize that they also feel the same way as we do. We heard Ryan Reynolds share his battle with depression. We witnessed some of them lose the war.
There is no miracle drug to combat depression or any of our mental health issues. But we must work on making ourselves better. We also need to support each other through this difficult time. We again ask how we can do that.
Yoga
The Australian Government published an article stating that sitting is the new smoking. They enumerated the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle. But they also shared a few tips on how to include physical activity in our lifestyle. One of their recommendations was yoga.
With the delta and lambda variants still raging, some might still not feel comfortable going out. This concern is understandable, especially if our little ones are still unvaccinated. It makes yoga the perfect solution because we can inject physical activity without having to go out.
This exercise regimen is known for its healing qualities. It combats mental fatigue and helps us calm down. But some of us may have concerns about yoga because it may be too physically demanding for our little ones. Here are a few kid-friendly poses:
- Mountain Pose – You can start with this position because this is technically just standing. This pose forces your little ones to focus on the present moment. Thus, it boosts their ability to concentrate.
- Tree Pose – Once they can focus on their breathing, you can move on to this position. It will improve their balance and strengthen their calves, thighs, and spine.
- Downward-Facing Dog – This position is popular among kids because they do it without any prompting. They often find it funny to see the world from an upside-down perspective. It also energizes them.
- Bridge Pose – If you are worried that your kids are spending too much time on their gadgets, you should call them to do this. This position stretches their back and neck. Thus, it alleviates back pain.
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Sports
With domestic travel lifted, most of us want to get as many outdoor activities as possible. How about bringing your kids to the nearest open space and play some games? They will surely love this plan, especially after being stuck in the house for roughly a year.
You can plan a picnic for the entire family to celebrate the ability to go outside. If you want to make the outing, you can award the fastest runner or the best pitcher. In this case, you have to prepare your radar gun. This tool will help you accurately measure the speed of the competitors.
Connection
The Singaporean Government published an article about cabin fever. They enumerated its symptoms. Besides that, they have listed the ways to fight the feeling of isolation. They have included connecting with loved ones.
In this case, why don’t you introduce more activities that encourage conversation between you and your loved ones? You can ask your little ones to help you in preparing dinner. They can even cook dinner themselves. This task can bolster your bond with them. It can also keep them away from their devices.
We must admit that social media and devices have kept us connected during the lockdown. But there is such a thing as too much of the good thing. Nighttime use of gadgets can affect the circadian rhythm because its blue light tricks our body into thinking it is daytime. Thus, it affects your child’s sleep.
Limiting your kid’s screen time can have several benefits. You can encourage lesser screen time if you avoid your phone while facing them. Ditch the laptop too. You may also introduce board games such as monopoly and scrabble as a substitute for their gadgets.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to cabin fever. It is also true to depression and other mental issues. But this does not negate the fact that we can still fight them. These tips are some of the ways to keep you and your little ones happy during the pandemic.
It is a tall order. But it is achievable. You can modify these techniques to better fit your lifestyle. All you need is the will to keep you and your loved ones happy.