For many of us, the constant stresses of modern life can be depleting, making it difficult to cope with any uncomfortable emotions we may experience. This can be particularly true for children – from toddlers to teenagers – and their parents, who are trying to build stronger relationships with their kids while dealing with their own stress and emotions. The Institute of HeartMath, a nonprofit organization that has developed scientifically validated tools to help people reduce and avoid stress while experiencing increased peace, satisfaction and self-security, offers some simple yet powerful solutions. 

As the creator of the HeartMath for Parents Program – as well as a pediatric neurologist and the Director of the Trauma Recovery Project at the Institute of HeartMath – Dr. Jorina Elbers helps provide parents with tools for self-regulation, emotional awareness, communication, intuition, and decision-making. In Episode 136 of The MINDSet Game® podcast, Dr. Elbers explains the work of the HeartMath Institute and what inspired her to create HeartMath for Parents, in addition to sharing the following:

• Why becoming more aware of your own stress and depletion, as well as taking care of yourself as a parent, are the keys to better emotional regulation for yourself and your kids
• How heart-focused breathing can be an effective way to regulate your emotions in any context
• Tips for parents seeking to help their kids navigate stress and intense emotions 

Dr. Elbers also guides us through a heart-focused breathing technique that can be used anytime and anywhere. 

Visit https://www.heartmath.org to learn more about the Institute of HeartMath or to access the HeartMath for Parents course. To get in touch with Dr. Elbers, email her at jelbers@heartmath.org.

To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.