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Welcome to Lotus Educational Services' revised weekly newsletter. Like most agencies providing support, we are switching our focus from "all things mental health" to simple ways to stay well during this stressful time .  We're sharing resources and information for adults, specifically parents and educators, especially those parents who are now educators :) We are also sharing fun activities for kids of all ages! The 5 Pillars of Health that we want to provide supportive information and activities for during this time include: Movement (aka exercise) Sleep (our greatest Superpower) Nutrition (you are what you eat) Social Connection (relationships matter) Stress Reduction (how to cope & relax)

Resource of the Week Here are 3 great resources with information about COVID-19 for you and your children.  A COVID-19 Video for Kids A Comic Exploring the Coronavirus An Infographic with Tips for Understanding Children's Feelings About the Virus

Movement: Make movement a priority in your child's day.

The YMCA and GoNoodle are offering a variety of online classes and resources with options suitable for all age groups. Moovlee has a great yoga video geared towards children K-2, where your kids can be led through a sequence of moves by a cartoon dressed as their favorite superhero. This mood walk is perfect for grades 3-5 where kids can work through their emotions by naming and acting them out. Is your teen looking for a more in depth workout routine? Fitness Youtuber Joanna Soh has great 8 and 10 minute workouts that don't require any equipment. Want something a little more lighthearted instead? Learn some new dance moves to wow your friends!

Sleep: Support your system by giving it the rest it needs.

CHOC Children's has a great resource that provides 14 ways you can create an optimal environment that encourages healthy sleep habits for all ages . Looking for an app to help you get to sleep? Headspace and Calm are offering meditations, sleep music, relaxation exercises and more for free right now. Have you tried adding a virtual story to your child’s sleep routine? The Goodnight Caterpillar is a 9 minute story that promotes rest and relaxation perfect for your child K-2 . Let your 3-5 grader enjoy creating a relaxing environment with this video of coral reefs, tropical fish and soothing music. Middle and High schoolers might enjoy exploring the beauty of the underwater world, either through a variety of aquatic animals and or everything jellyfish . See if you notice your body relax; this is a great way to prepare for a restorative night’s sleep.

Connection Counts: Play games, cook together, start a new tradition.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network shared 70 fun ideas to cultivate connection within your family. Give your children the opportunity to interact with kids their age in this virtual zoom meeting hosted every Monday through Friday! K through TK starts at 8:30 am to 11:30 am while ages 13 to 17 are from Noon to 6 pm .   Join via the web at https://zoom.us/j/9559136828 ,  on your smart phone using meeting ID: 9559136828, or by phone calling (253) 215 8782. Keeping families connected during this time is crucial. With schools closed and some of our parents staying home due to the pandemic family time is beneficial for all. Here are 25 family-friendly activities that you can do at home during the quarantine provided by Eric Beasley, a licensed professional counselor. While our teens  are out of school and working through the emotions of limited social contact, Danyelle Little has provided 36 indoor activities they can do during this quarantine. These activities help make this difficult time more enjoyable for our teens.

Nutrition: Give your brain and body what it needs for optimal function.

Healthy eating begins with you! Take a look at how you can be a role model for the child or children in your life with these healthy eating habits and possible outcomes. A fun video from The Cookie Monster telling little ones we really do need to eat more than just cookies. It’s all about food with Steve and Maggie. Can Maggie Magpie stop Steve from eating a bunch of junk? Steve likes to have a lot of unhealthy snacks, but Maggie is here to help . Help your teenager understand how their body uses the food and drinks they consume. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease created a guide that covers everything they need to know about making healthy choices and the consequences of neglecting their health.

Stress Reduction: Chill out with these relaxation activities and coping strategies.

Having a hard time helping your child adjust and deal with anxiety from the changes caused by COVID-19? GoZen has compiled videos from 4 experts giving advice on what you can do to help alleviate the stress caused by this pandemic. Practice whale breathing with this fun sing along! It will surely put a smile on your little one’s face while also bringing them some much needed peace. Take your 3-5 grader through this video from GoZen that teaches and guides the viewer on an amazing relaxation strategy called 4-7-8 breathing. This breathing pattern is helpful in calming the body and mind. What is your teen doing to fill their time? Check out this list of 80+ ideas including everything from writing a song, photographing all the blooming flowers, to learning a new language!

Looking for more information on these topics and other mental health concerns? Be sure to check out our  trainings, events, and support groups   to learn more about how to help yourself and your loved ones!