Calming Sounds
During the holidays we can become overloaded by sensory input which can raise our stress levels and anxiety. When we fully focus on a calming sensory stimuli, our brains and bodies relax more. Take three to five minutes to lower your anxiety and stress with this exercise.
- Find a place you can escape to for a couple of minutes.
- Search on your phone for nature sounds, ocean waves, a mountain rain shower, or a calming song. Or choose another sound that brings you peace.
- Close your eyes (if you can where you are) and focus your mind on the peaceful sounds.
- If your mind wanders to other thoughts, gently bring your attention back to the sounds.
- Imagine that you are there sitting in the mountains, lying on the beach, or in a place that makes you feel calm.
- When your time is up, take a deep cleansing breath.
- Smile.
- Then go back to fully being present in your day.
Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are celebrating 22 years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities will release in May 2024 by Baker Books. They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling.
Disability Parenting