There are many wonderful techniques that have been shown to help adolescents manage the “mind” aspect in mind-body medicine and stress management. Drawing from evidence-based techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and positive psychology, our favorite skills include: 1. Reframing While we cannot always change a situation, we can always change how we […]
Archives for January 2016
Relaxation Techniques for Reducing Stress
Relaxation techniques are simply methods to help lower one’s natural “fight, flight or freeze” response. When a person is anxious or scared, the primitive part of the brain goes into a reactive, self-protective mode. When this happens, it can cause panic and be hard for children and teenagers to think rationally or problem solve. Breathing […]
How Mindfulness Benefits Patients With IBS
While pain experts promote distraction as a powerful pain coping mechanism, research also shows that practicing mindfulness, or paying attention to what is happening in the moment without criticizing the thoughts and feelings that come to the surface, offers a range of health benefits. But how can mindfulness affect your child’s IBS symptom management? Mindfulness has been […]
Why You Should Practice Self-Compassion
Being compassionate towards others is something most of us can do fairly well. It’s a natural impulse to want to help others who are in physical or emotional pain. Recognizing others’ misfortunes and doing something to help–or at least wishing there were something we could do–can also improve our own well-being. As it turns out, […]