Building “Chill Outz® ” into your routine will bring benefits to you and your child. By adding it to your routine, your child will internalize when to use the breaths and how this changes how he/she thinks and feels. When first doing the Chill Outz® , expect figits, talking and giggles. This is typical for a new experience. Resist the urge to talk or correct and save it for after the video ends.
Regulating ones emotion is as important to mental wellness as brushing teeth is to dental/physical health. Take a few minutes each day to use Chill Outz® to practice self regulation. Make it a part of your daily routine.
The great thing about Chill Outz® is you can do them anywhere. However, you can make an experience out of it. You can create a place they go to relax. It can be a small nook; add pillows and a cozy blanket. Children will associate this place with comfort. When they feel upset, anxious or emotionally out of control; they can retreat there and use a Chill Outz® .
Adding smell to the space can add an additional layer of comfort. There are many scents that stimulate our brain to feel comforted. Smell has the quickest pathway to the brain and can be powerful. I enjoy lavender and vanilla. Scents may be something you want to explore.
Building “Chill Outz® ” into your child’s routine after a long, stimulating day can help them transition more smoothly from school to home. Some children work so hard at school, behaving and concentrating all day, that when they come home they have little control over their emotional state. A protein snack is important to stabilize their blood sugar. Physically be there for your child, with a hug or a pat. No words are needed; Just the presence that you are there. Then you can pick your favorite “Chill Outz” together.
Make Chill Outz® a family thing. Have family members pick their favorite and take turns practicing that one together.
While any of the techniques can be used at anytime, anywhere below are a few suggestions. Once familiar with the benefits of Chill Outz® make them your own.
Before bed or nap time. While lying in bed; you can recall the Belly Breathing in Restful Bear. Doing a relaxing breath while laying down can be a bonding time and get the body and brain online. Continue breaths even after the video is over. Or re-play it.
Morning or before School:
This can be on of the most stressful times of the day. Then you can put on your own music to hum along. Adding movement to this App may be just the thing your child needs to prepare his brain to focus and attend.
Prior to unfamiliar or possibly anxiety provoking situations such dentist appointment, getting on an airplane or getting ready for homework.
When the child experiences fear or a high degree of tension. Turtle can help release tension. You can find your own music to continue to slow and fast shrugs.
On the way to school or prior to homework. Bunny Breathing with Penguin and Rabbit can energize the brain and prepare your child for a learning and fun
Will they get it the first time?
Probably not. The first exposure will probably be observing and watching only. The more they watch the video, they will know what to do. The more they practice, the quicker they will master the breathing and will be more effective at using it in moments of emotional upheaval. Just like walking took lots of practice, this too will take a little time to master. Be patient. The more you participate with them; the more likely they will engage in the guided activities. (You too will benefit from the multiple ways you can learn to engage your body and brain to help you remain calm in challenging times.)
Is there any research about progressive relaxation techniques?
Research has shown that a relaxed and balanced mind & body boosts "emotional intelligence"; so much so that the Marine Corps as well as major Fortune 500 companies are now exploring different ways to help their staff achieve or return to a relaxed and emotionally balance state. According to a November 19, 2013 New York Times article entitled "Mindfulness - Getting Its Share of Attention" hundreds of peer-reviewed studies have shown the benefits of these mental exercises.
Are Chill Outz® recommended for use at home only?
NO. Chill Outz® can be used at anytime anywhere. In addition to parents, early childhood educators (pre-schools, kindergarten, daycare providers) will find these techniques to be incredibly helpful before nap time, during circle time or any other group activity. Children that may be anxious, fidgety, noisy can be pulled aside and with the usage of the appropriate story or stories guided to a relaxed state of mind. Other settings may include pediatrician practices or hospitals with pediatric units (incl. ER).
Are you using a specific method?
Yes. Progressive relaxation techniques are an effective way for children to manage their emotions and feel in control of them. It can also reduce physical problems such as stomachaches and headaches as well as improve sleep and concentration. Helping your child learn how to relax is a lifelong skill. Children respond well to progressive relaxation techniques when modified for their developmental age. These applications are intended to be fun yet teach skills that will help your child know how to manage their emotions.
Where can I read the Privacy Policies as they pertain to your app and website?
Our privacy policy can be accessed by typing http://www.chilloutz.com/privacy into your bowser's location bar
DISCLAIMER
"The Chill Outz® application developed and presented by Mind-Out® LLC are intended to provide helpful breathing & progressive relaxation techniques, but are not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. The applications are made available with the understanding that Mind-Out® LLC is not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal professional services through these applications. Using the techniques developed by Mind-Out® LLC does not create any patient-physician relationship. The information provided through these applications should not be used in place of a call or visit to a medical, health or other competent professional, who should be consulted before adopting any of the suggestions in these applications or drawing inferences from them.
Mind-Out® LLC specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use of any of the information and/or techniques contained in the applications it develops."
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