5 ways to cultivate calm while you’re stuck at home with the kids 

During this unprecedented time in our lives, it’s more important than ever to keep yourself and family calm, grounded and healthy. You may all be feeling and expressing the stress in different ways – news is ever changing, there’s a lot of uncertainty and fear in the air. Beth Borowsky, educator, yoga teacher and CEO of The Karma Class has these 5 tips for how to cultivate calm while you’re stuck at home.  

 

Meditate 

If you’ve never meditated, now’s the perfect time to start. There are many ways to experience meditation. Enjoy a candle gazing meditation together or listen to a guided visualisation. The Karma Class online programs offer meditation ideas and Imagination Vacations – guided visualisations that take kids on a journey to a ‘feel good’ place where they can let go of their worries and release physical and emotional stress. 

 

Breathe + Move 

Nature and exercise are like honey for the body, mind and soul. Get outdoors and into nature. Go for a bicycle ride, a run on the sand or create a fun obstacle course indoors if the weather is poor. Do family yoga - a great way to build strength and flexibility and, when enjoyed with mindful breathing, creates calm and balance when things are going topsy turvy. 

 

Routine 

A routine will help to keep your family active, focussed and connected. As you move from the school holidays to home schooling, keeping a routine will go a long way in helping everyone on stay on track. Create a routine that covers all bases – early morning exercise; dedicated work and study time for you and the kids; a midday online yoga class; meals together; a siesta; more work time; family outdoor and game time - you get the picture.  

 

Gratitude 

Encourage your family to acknowledge what they’re grateful for every day. You can do this in many ways. Share your Gratitudes at the dinner table – simply take turns to name 3 things you are grateful for or list 3 things just before going to sleep and when you wake up. Create a Gratitude Board in a prominent place in the house and each day everyone writes 3 things down. It’s important, in and amongst the sense of loss and fear, to focus on the many things that you have and are grateful for.   

 

Acts of Kindness 

There are many reasons why you and your children may be feeling stressed right now and it will show up in different ways and at different times. Being kind to one another, yourself and others is a great way to relieve stress. It also makes everyone feel better. Bake a cake for an elderly neighbour, give each other foot massages or make each other breakfast in bed. And don’t forget to self nourish – run a hot bath or find a quiet place to breathe, read or meditate. 

 

Beth Borowsky is an Educator, Yoga Teacher and CEO of The Karma Class. Join their Online Kids Yoga Program and enjoy a suite of yoga classes and mindful activities.