CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 123
Did you know that mindfulness practice can shrink the amygdala which is the part of the brain that is responsible for fight, flight or freeze? While I know the benefits of mindfulness, I sometimes struggle to actually practice it. But several years ago, I was able to finally start on my mindfulness journey - by using food!
This can be done with any type of food but I particularly love using berries or chocolate. Take a listen to learn how to use this technique…
The topics I cover in this episode are:
How mindfulness with food can help
I run through an exercise with you from ‘The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook’ on mindful eating
How I used this strategy during lockdown to help my clients
Please keep in mind that clients may have food allergies or sensitivities so I encourage you to check with families before you do this activity.
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Research I mentioned in this episode
Taren, A. A., Gianaros, P. J., Greco, C. M., Lindsay, E. K., Fairgrieve, A., Brown, K. W., … Creswell, J. D. (2015). Mindfulness meditation training alters stress-related amygdala resting state functional connectivity: a randomized controlled trial. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 10(12), 1758–1768. http://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv066
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
Over the past decade, families have been feeling the pressure more than ever. From social media and constant screen time to the shared stress of the global pandemic and rising expectations for both parents and kids — it’s easy to feel disconnected and overwhelmed. In this episode, we explore how families can navigate these challenges, reduce stress, and build stronger, more connected relationships at home.
In this episode Ronnie and Janine discuss:
In this episode they discuss:
Food is magic! Cooking together as a family has lots of benefits. As well as being a time to learn and teach such a key life skill. It presents an opportunity to share family recipes, whether they are cultural recipes or family recipes passed down through the generations is a beautiful moment for families to share together.
In this episode they discuss:
We all know the 5 senses and learned them from the time we started school. But did you know there are actually 8? Unpacking and understanding these can help us to understand yours and your child's needs and how you move around your space well. Joining Janine is Occupational Therapist, Sarah Collins who unpacks the senses and encourages you to find the words and strategies that work for your child's sensory needs.
Today Sarah and Janine discuss:
As parents, we are concerned that our kids and teens may engage in high risk behaviors as they grow up. How can we, as parents, encourage our children away from engaging in these high risk behaviors? Or, if they are already doing any of these behaviors, how can we encourage them to stop them?
In this episode Carrie and Janine discuss:
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…

All of us have the same values, these are to be seen, heard, understood and to be appreciated and know we belong. What are your needs? How much time do you give to look after you? Do you find you give so much to your kids, that you find yourself overwhelmed when you try to connect?
In this episode Janine and Sonali speak about: