INVISIBLE STRINGS EVERYWHERE

Here I sit in complete isolation.

Bored and lonely.

Then I remember the strings that I have given my neighbors, my friends, my family.

The strings that hold us together, bring us in.

Strings that have gone through thick and thin, cold and warmth.

Strings that have traveled thousands of miles, some just inches.

With this, I remember the strings we once made, once given to each other.

Strings that have stretched so far.

No matter how far the strings are, they still keep us together.

Bringing us to the present, carrying our love back and forth.

So let your strings stretch one more time, see how far they really can go.

You will realize all the strings are connected,

in a circle around the earth, 

And I realize, we're all in this together.

That distance doesn't matter ................but six feet does.

• Give our children the space, time and attention to express how they're feeling. Don't respond with what they "should" do to get over that feeling. Let them know that it's normal and OK to feel discomfort, anxiety, disappointment, frustration, etc.
• Mindfulness is not about feeling happy. It's about being aware of ALL of our feelings and accepting them.
• Accept your children's feelings with the phrase, "Of course you feel that way." 
• Use the phrase, "Tell me more" to invite more communication from them. 
• Sit next to them and share space while they engage in one of their favorite activities. Just being present is enough.
• Suggest an activity together. What do they think would be fun to try as a family or in pairs?
• Tell them, "You can't come back inside until 5 pm" as a way to get them outdoors in nature or to engage in some activity.
• Improve sleep by disconnecting from screens one hour before bed. This gives your brain ample time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
• To calm your mind before bed, rest your hands over wherever you feel love and go through each person you are grateful for. Wait until you feel the love before moving on to the next person.
• Remember that you are enough. And you are up for whatever challenge lies ahead. 

• 2:15-3pm SBMS pilates class

• A 10 ft x 10 ft area. Inside or Outside (If space is an issue, students can modify movements to accommodate what they have)
• A yoga mat. This is not required, but good if you have one.
• Wear comfortable workout / athletic clothes.
• A jump rope. Any piece of rope around 7 to 8 ft long will work too.
• Several students received one in their care package. If you did not and cannot make one from what you have at home, email erik@sbms.org, and we can drop one off for you.

• We will team you up with 1-2 new families to “mentor."
• An email or phone call to introduce yourself — and eventually a virtual Zoom meet-up.
• Come summertime, provided our social distancing restrictions have been revised, we encourage mentor families to host a summer event where all of the kids and parents can get to know one another at a beach day, hike, etc.
• Our SBMS Mentor Families stay connected with their new families well into the first half of the year, offering some advice on all things SBMS - trip prep, the HUB, how to get involved, etc.

• Stick to a routine, it’s all about that Circadian rhythm!  
• Stop looking at screens such as TV, tablet or phone 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Wake up to sunlight, especially for teenagers, light helps your circadian rhythm.
• Don’t sleep in on the weekends--wake up at the same time every day, 7 days a week.
• Naps are good. (it is better to take a nap than it is to sleep in.)
• If possible, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This is difficult for teenagers especially. If you can’t do both it is more important that you get up at the same time every day.
• Insight Timer is a free app with guided meditations to help you sleep, they also have meditations for stress, anxiety, happiness and many other topics.
• Give less homework so teenagers can sleep more (straight from Dr. Binder’s mouth) :)