Practicing Gratitude … Why & How

This year has been incredibly challenging for me … and it’s not even over yet! I could give you a laundry list of what’s happening in my life, but that’s not really the point, we all go through tough times. The point is, that as I reflect back on the year I realize that I still have so many things in my life to be grateful for. The real point is … practicing gratitude.

For starters, what is gratitude?

Smile, Breathe and Go Slowly

We each have 1440 minutes in a day … using a couple of those to slow down and breath (and smile!) isn’t going to keep you from anything earth shattering and it might just help!

Breathing on Purpose

We take about 22,000 breaths each day. What would happen if we took a few of those breaths on purpose?

As we move into late fall and have the holidays looming in front of us, it’s easy to get stressed out. Young people are also facing stressful situations this time of year. Most teens are looking at the end of 1st semester around Christmas time which means final exams and large projects.

SMART Goals, Smart Teens

We all know that teens have great hopes and dreams for the future, but how do we help them get there? Having a goal is more than just an idea, it requires work and planning … learning to set goals is a skill.

Being able to set goals can help teens:

Take charge of their personal growth
See progress towards where they want to be
Maintain momentum
Improve time management
Reduce anxiety
Increase self-esteem

Amazing right!?

Aaacckk! Helping Teen Athletes with Pre-competition Anxiety – Part 2

Photo Credit: Julean Hickenlooper

In part 1 of this post I shared ways your teen can deal with pre-competition anxiety. In part 2 we are going to talk about how your actions as a parent, coach or adult supporter can help ease your teen’s pre-competition anxiety.

Before the Competition

• Acknowledge how your teen is feeling. “Don’t worry everything will be fine” is not reassuring, it tells your teen that how they are feeling is not ok.  Let them know that you understand they are worried (nervous, anxious, or scared) and that you are confident they will be able to handle it.
• Give them some space. Your teen knows what they need to do to prepare. Let them do their thing, they will ask if they need something from you.
• If you are feeling nervous or anxious before they compete, model good ways to stay calm. If your teen sees you freaking out it will feed their anxiety.

Aaacckk!! Helping Teen Athletes with Pre-competition Anxiety – Part 1

As I was working on this post I realized that the topic was much too broad for just one post so I have broken into two. In Part 1 I mainly focus on things that teens can do (with your support) to help themselves with pre-competition anxiety. In Part 2 I will discuss more about what you as a parent or coach can do to help. Of course, I’m sure I will revisit pre-competition anxiety, and related topics, in the future.

 

 

Many of us have experienced the rush of standing on the sideline just before a competition. The noise of the crowd, last minute instructions from your coach and the excitement from the team! It can be completely invigorating … or totally overwhelming.

Everyone feels some level of nervousness or anxiety before a game or performance. Anxiety is a totally normal feeling and in many cases is helpful for competition.

We have all experienced some physical symptoms of anxiety

Make The Time

I took this picture last week at the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. It was beautiful and calming to watch the balloons inflate and rise just as the sun was peeking over the treeline.

It made me think about how important it is to carve out (even a little) time to do something to recharge yourself and to really be present in the moment.

How do you make time for yourself?

 

 

Where Does My Teen’s Time Go?

It’s the beginning of the school year and schedules can get crazy! Your teen may be dealing with homework, sports, activities, family time, friends and work all on top of school. It’s easy for some things to slide if young people aren’t organized and using their time wisely.

Teens can learn to monitor and schedule their time so they will be able to fit everything they need and want to do into their schedule. By managing themselves and their time effectively teens can reduce their stress and be more prepared when something unexpected comes their way.

The Big and the Small … How to Help Teens Handle Change

The end of the school year is both a fun and stressful time of year, especially for teens who are graduating. New graduates have reached a huge milestone, celebrated with much pomp and circumstance. (Can’t you just hear the graduation march?) They are excited to celebrate