Here is your August 2021 EYMPD newsletter on Minimal Self-Care that I hope finds you well.
Every time I write “I hope you are well”, I actually do really hope that you are indeed well. I wonder if your life both at home and at work is satisfying. If you have at least one person, in your life, that you can count on. If you are taking care of yourself. Whatever the answers to my questions might be, I truly hope that this August edition of our newsletter will contribute to your wellness, to your self-care that after all is the conscious act without which none of us can be truly ever “well”.
Recognizing that the notion of self-care can be overwhelming, I chose a few items that most of you can incorporate into your life, if you choose to do so, as they are simple, low cost (mostly free), and they do not require much of your time. From having ginger and lemon drink in the morning to taking few conscious breaths before going to sleep, these are “wellness hacks” I myself enjoy.
Please share with our readers and me your own “wellness hacks” so that we can all support each other in our wellness journey. Thank you.
Those of you who are interested in furthering your knowledge on topics like yoga, sleep, and fitness are welcome to email me directly for a chance to receive a 7 day Master Class pass; subject to availability.
Stay in touch,
Baa Maa Pii Gaawaabmin (I’ll See You Later)
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Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell: (705) 644-1533
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Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. |
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3-Ingredient Ginger Lemon Water
Nourishing, 3-ingredient ginger lemon water with fresh ginger, lemon, optional spices, and hot water. The perfect way to start the day to detoxify and refresh the body.
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Hydrate
The billions of biochemical reactions your body needs to function normally are vitally dependent on the efficient flow of water. Water comprises up to 75% of the total body weight in infants and falls to 55% in the elderly (Hooper 2014). Water makes up 85% of the total weight of the brain (Kleiner 1999). More than half of the water within our body is found in the cells with the remainder in the blood and lymph vessels. Water is required for energy production, digestion, transportation, elimination, and temperature regulation. Water not only allows these biochemical reactions to occur, but it also fills the space in and between cells and is an important part of of the collagen fibers that form the structure of your body.
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Classic Green Monster Smoothie
Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, no bake/raw, oil-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free
To this day, Green Monsters are one of my favourite drinks for glowing skin and increased energy. If you are newbie, feel free to start off with baby spinach since its taste is undetectable, but I encourage you to experiment with kale, romaine lettuce, or other leafy greens as well.
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Tracy Anderson Cardio Dance for Beginners 1
Tracy Anderson is a celebrity trainer known for her signature dance cardio workouts. This 15-minute cardio workout is a great way to boost one’s fitness, energy, and to incorporate fun into one’s day.
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10 Minute Sleep Meditation - Transition Into Sleep Faster | Goop
To capture—or recapture—the stillness of the last moments of wakefulness, Austin-based yoga and meditation instructor Kate Waitzkin recorded a guided sleep meditation. We like to listen to this 10 minute sleep meditation while we’re in bed. But you can play it anytime you’re looking to center yourself in the present and find some time to meditate and relax. |
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Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on Self-Care or any other topic for a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00)
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EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA |
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What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it? In other words, why do you do what you do?
I have been a licensed day care provider with the Muskoka Home Child Care Agency for the past three years. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, the company I worked for lost its funding and I got laid off. I knew of someone who was licensed with the Agency and shared their experience with me, which sounded like it would be the perfect combination of both staying at home with my daughter while being able to
have an income. I found that the benefits the Agency offered, especially to someone who was just starting out doing daycare, made the decision to become licensed an easy one.
Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me about how your involvement within the Early Years Profession created a better outcome for a child/family.
I have been very lucky with the families who have been and are a part of my daycare family. They are truly an extension of our own family. I think the best outcome is when a family truly finds they are a great fit for my home and can feel confident in the fact that their child is being loved, cared for and nurtured even when they aren’t present.
What's most challenging about the work you do?
The lack of separation of a personal/professional life as I run my daycare out of my home and my operational space is also my main living area.
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What do you like to do in your spare time?
Doing small improvements to my home when I have the time (which translates to: it takes me forever to do anything but I thoroughly enjoy the process of learning new skills), running and working out, and spending a lazy day by the pool with my family.
What book/resource could you recommend to our readers?
I am a big fan of these individuals/websites: Susie Allison of Busy Toddler, 7 Days of Play, Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat in Color, and Lizzie Assa of The Workspace for Children. I find a lot of inspiration from educators I find on Instagram.
What's your favourite quote?
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Who inspires you and why?
I am constantly inspired by my friends who are in a similar life stage and juggling being a parent, professional and trying to keep our homes clean.
What have you learnt to say "no" to?
I am still working on this skill, to be honest! I find it very difficult to say no and often find myself overstretched and exhausted. One thing I did last year when COVID first started was to disconnect my email from my phone’s email app. I try to only check my email once a day and I find that helps keep my “work time” a little more aligned with my working hours.
Could you name a song that can easily put you in a good mood?
The Happy Song by Imogen Leap or Happy by Pharrell Williams.
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Children’s Services Members’ newsletter submissions in response to the July 2021 edition of MEYPD Newsletter |
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Agencies Providing Services for Children and Families in Muskoka |
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Muskoka Conservancy
Muskoka Conservancy offers a variety of programs throughout the year, which provide both learning experiences as well as volunteer opportunities. These programs are supported by both staff and volunteers and are open to a variety of ages. They also offer unique opportunities to take a more in-depth look at some of the properties that Muskoka Conservancy protects.
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For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions.
Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.
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