I’m Justine and I’m the face behind Relax Kids Harrogate and North Leeds and Mini Me Yoga Yorkshire. I am a relative newcomer to Yorkshire (5 years) and live in Chapel Allerton with my husband, joined by my teenage stepdaughter at weekends. I have over 20 years experience of working with children and families in a variety of roles and settings.
Why I do what I do
Wellbeing is big news at the moment but what exactly is it? One definition is the balancing of skills and resources against the challenges of daily life. Distress occurs when our resources are depleted or insufficient to cope with those challenges.
As a Relax Kids coach and Mini Me Yoga ambassador, I work with children and families to help them develop those skills and resources so that they can not only survive but thrive throughout life and we have lots of fun doing it!
My top tips for wellbeing:
1. Breathe – practice diaphragmatic breathing. Put your hands on your stomach and notice it expanding as you breathe in and contracting as you breathe out. Count your breaths in and out for count of 10.
2. Practice gratitude – at the end of the day, list 3 good things that have happened that day, however small.
3. Positive touch – a hug or a simple hand massage releases feel-good hormones and triggers our relaxation response.
4. Go outside – spend some time every day in nature whether it’s your garden or one of North Leeds lovely parks and green spaces.
5. Have fun! Put on your favourite music and dance like no-one’s watching (you can even play air guitar if you want!)
If you would like to learn other techniques and tips to support relaxation and have fun at the same time I run a range of classes and workshops for children & families (see below). I also offer 1:1 sessions in the home for children who find groups difficult or who can’t attend a regular class.
Magical Adventures – Thursdays 4.15-5.15pm (term time). This class is for primary aged children and includes movement, games, stretching, peer/self massage (done over clothing), breathing exercises, positive affirmations and a guided visualisation. Our new theme of Explorer Adventures starts on Thurs 22nd Feb.
Mini Me Yoga Workshop for adults – Fri 9th Mar 10.30-12.30pm. Learn a 15 minute programme including yoga, meditation, breathing and positive thinking techniques to use with your child at home and receive a free set of Magick Yoga Cards. No experience with yoga necessary – anyone can join in the fun!
Family Workshop – Sat 24th March 10.30-12pm – come and have fun together whilst learning relaxation techniques to use at home.
All the above classes take place at Oakwood Church LS8 2QA.
For more information on these and the other services I can offer go to www.calmbluedot.co.uk or email Justine@calmbluedot.co.uk
I look forward to meeting some of you at one of my classes or, if you see me out and about in my purple Relax Kids hoodie, come over and say hello!
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