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As a world in crisis, the impact of the lockdown and chaos may be affecting our children’s sleep.  Their minds and bodies crave sleep to grow and develop, so we need to help our children and teens receive more sleep.   In following hundreds of younger kids and their sleep patterns, scientists at Northwestern University have discovered much more aggression in those kids who sleep less at night. The study concludes less sleep leads to more behavioral problems by day.  However, research has also shown that meditation can help reduce these problems and lead to calmer and more rested children.

Older Children Have Sleep Issues, Too

 A National Sleep Foundation poll finds that two-thirds of children have experienced sleep problems at night.  Many children and teens with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also find more sleep issues.  And research shows lack of sleep may worsen the child’s lack of focus and hyperactivity by day.  This is compounded when children lack their normal routine during the day as well.  This is the case for many of us as a result of the covid lockdown.

Bedtime Rituals Help Children Fall Asleep

 Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic recommend establishing a regular calming ritual to help children fall into healthy sleep patterns. Meditation can help children relax and sleep more peacefully. Make sure the bedroom is quiet, calm, and comfortable. Keep the room dark, if possible, except for a night light. An hour or more before bedtime, turn off computer games and electronics.  As adults, avoid arguing or provoking issues right before bed.  A relaxed home does make a difference.

Teach Children How to Relax

Teach children how to relax with deep breathing and positive imagery while lying in bed.  Help them visualize the rays of the warm sun, or the sound of ocean waves soothing them, while doing deep abdominal breathing.  Guided Imagery helps them calm down for relaxation and sleep.

Inner Peace Time Coming Soon!

My new app called Inner Peace Time is launching soon.  Be part of the movement to help children, teens, and families learn the value of meditating at a young age and encouraging Inner Peace Time as a new family ritual. Meditation and guided imagery is quite effective in helping with stress relief and sleep.

Please take advantage of my free gift below!

Wishing you Peace!

Vicki

Vicki Atlas Israel is Meditation and Mindset Coach, Certified in Guided Imagery. Vicki is passionate about helping children and parents feel less stressed, more calm, and happier.  

Do you know that we have over 60-thousand thoughts a day? How many of these are empowering? How many are full of worry, doubt, and fear?  Scientists say over 80-percent are negative.  For many of us, fearful thoughts lead to more stress and anxiety.    #1 New York Times best-selling Author Jack Canfield says the word F.E.A.R.  really stands for “False-Expectations-Appearing-Real.”  What if you could stop the fear-based fantasies from taking root?  What if you could emerge from  the calamity of COVID-19 better able to cope with fear and anxiety?

General Anxiety Disorder

You probably know if you worry too much. Your mind races.  You fear losing money, your job, your health, or other disasters that are just around the corner.  An estimated 7 million Americans suffer with Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a chronic condition. All of us know people who are “worriers.” Being in a constant state of anxiety can severely limit their health and well-being.

My Own Journey with Anxiety and Fear

I come from a long line of worriers; I know about anxiety.  Lately, I practice meditation and other mind-body tools that have transformed my life.  I have found this particularly helpful during the Coronavirus. I can only imagine how the old self may have acted– frantic mother ridden with guilt and worry that I was not doing enough to protect my children from the horrible impact of this virus.  Plus, I would be coping with all this with little sleep.

Years ago. before I began my regular meditation practice, I would carry stress in my gut and have trouble sleeping.  I was ruminating over past or worry about the future.  I would also wake up in the middle of the night and not fall back to sleep.  This went on for years, until I began a regular practice of meditation, using Guided Imagery, and investing in my training. 

Numerous research studies have found meditation to be effective for treating anxiety.  Yet, anxious people often shy away from meditation believing they cannot meditate because they have too many thoughts. 

Why Hirer A Teacher?

With a patient teacher, these objections can be overcome.  As a mentor and coach, my guidance is to help my clients experience stillness for just a few minutes at a time and slowly build up.   Gradually, we build up their mental muscle with skills and practice. Break through your anxiety. Breathe in love. 

Below is my gift to you, my special worriers. A free meditation called Stress Buster to give you a sample of my work and to give you a Bubble of Calm during the ever-present stressor of COVID.

Light and Love,

Vicki, Your Mindset and Meditation Coach

Vicki Atlas Israel is a Certified Guided Imagery Practitioner and Meditation Coach.   Atlas is passionate about bringing more peace and well-being to you and your family. 

During the turmoil and tremendous strain of lockdown, it is more important than ever to practice kindness. Did you know that there’s a direct correlation between showing kindness and receiving kindness? The two acts feed off one another and lead to a cycle of giving. 

Scientists have also discovered a certain hormone called oxytocin that increases when we are empathic or generous. Your kindness does matter as it ripples out into the world. 

Importance of Opening Schools

It is important to teach children about kindness—what it is, how to identify it, and how to practice it. That is why opening the schools is so important.  Children develop empathy following rules for expected behavior in the classroom, preventing bullying and developing compassion. Children learn by playing. When children are role-playing, they are also learning about perspectives and skills to stand in another’s shoes. They learn about differences and similarities by interacting with others.

If they have not learned basic kindness skills by the time they are around 8 years old, it is very difficult to teach. This lack of empathy leads to anti-social behavior. Thus, an even more important reason for making sure our children can learn from one another, as well as from their families during this critical time in everyone’s lives.

Kindness and Compassion

Without empathy, we have no chance at civility. We need that connection to feel human. We also need to be connected to a purpose greater than our own. Our inner power helps to create the best mindset and meditation and connecting to our heart through family meditation can also be helpful in creating that bubble of calm.  Grab your FREE Meditation below or on my homepage.

Vicki Atlas Israel is Meditation and Mindset Coach, Certified in Guided Imagery.  Vicki is passionate about helping children and parents feel less stressed, more calm, and happier.