Hold a Piece of Ice
It's getting warmer anyway, so why not try this technique? Hold a piece of ice in your hand. Because ice is a bit of a shock to the senses, it can draw your focus away from the current stressor (at least temporarily). Focus on how it melts in your hand - what does it feel like? How does the temperature change? How does the shape change?
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Try a Mindful Eating Exercise
Take a food that you enjoy - something small (we often use Starbursts at WHS, others use raisins or M&M's). Look at the item - what color is it? What shape is it? How does it feel? How does it smell? Place it in your mouth and hold it there for 10 seconds. What is the texture? How does it taste? Chew it and pay attention to how the shape changes and how you feel as you eat it.
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Listen to Music
There are some songs or pieces of music that just make us smile. Or relax. Or cry. Pop your headphones in and turn on the tunes. This time, though, listen to the different layers of the song. Can you hear instruments you hadn't heard before? Are there background sounds you've never heard before? Maybe lyrics you hadn't noticed?
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Start an Indoor Garden
Ms. Kim has been enjoying caring for her plants while at home. She's also started re-growing green onions and ginger. If you have some leftover produce, you might be able to get your own indoor garden started! You get to put some of your food waste to good use and watch something new sprout!
Create a Calming Workspace
Ms. Eaton has been working to create a work from home space that is calm, cozy, and inviting. Sprucing up your work from home space can help with creativity, inspiration, focus, and more. Check out some tips for sprucing up your home workspace here.
Try a New Recipe
Ms. Orpen has been enjoying experimenting with new recipes including a crispy cast iron pizza and cinnamon buns. There have been studies that say that baking can reduce stress and anxiety - from the distraction to the creation of something new to the rhythm of the process!
Get Some Sleep
Try to maintain as normal a sleep pattern as you can. Even though you may not be able to be as active or as social as you usually are, there is a lot for your brainy to process and navigate. Giving your body time to rest in important for both our physical and emotional well-being.
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Clean Your Room
No one in your family told us to say this, really. But, getting organized can help with motivation. Cleaning your room can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel more organized and motivated. Plus, you might find that textbook Mr. Brewer is going to ask you for in a few weeks!
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