Resilience Week 3
“To be resilient, it is essential to clean out the closet in your head of past or current traumas, so they no longer control your future.”
Dr. Amen, American psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist.
Dr. Amen's quote can also refer to a tendency to assume that events will always end the same way, instead of seeking different solutions. Below are the key lessons from his Book “Raising Mentally Strong Kids “that also apply to adults. In fact, if you are a parent raising a child in today’s world, practicing the nine techniques in your own life, will guide you to be a role model for your child. If you are not raising children, Dr. Amen’s suggestions offer all of us a perspective on life that leads to resilience, wellness and better health. My comments are in italics.
Understanding the Brain: He stresses the importance of recognizing and supporting the unique wiring of each child's brain. Allow for differences in others.
Promoting Positive Thinking: Dr. Amen encourages parents to teach their children how to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with constructive, optimistic perspectives. This practice not only boosts self-esteem but also helps children develop resilience in the face of adversity. In mindfulness we recognize that a thought is neither good nor bad: we choose.
Nutrition and Brain Health: The book emphasizes the significant role nutrition plays in mental and emotional well-being. Healthy eating habits affect the entire body, brain, as well as the gut, and are essential for well-being.
Managing Screen Time: In an age dominated by digital devices, managing screen time is a significant challenge for parents. Dr. Amen suggests outdoor activities as alternatives to screen time. No change for adults, same advice! Nature is healing.
Building Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is a critical component of mental strength. Dr. Amen offers strategies for teaching children to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. He discusses the benefits of mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, in helping children develop emotional regulation skills. We know this is true for adults too!
Creating a Supportive Environment: Dr. Amen advises parents to create a nurturing and supportive home environment. This includes maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and providing consistent encouragement and praise. No change for adults!
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills: He suggests involving children in decision-making processes and encouraging them to think critically about the consequences of their actions. This approach fosters independence and confidence in their ability to handle challenges. No change for adults!
Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Dr. Amen advocates for teaching children that their abilities and intelligence can grow with effort and perseverance. This mindset helps children view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Adults can follow this as well, do hard things.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Finally, Dr. Amen encourages parents to be proactive in addressing any mental health concerns their children may have. He also highlights the value of seeking professional support when needed and destigmatizing mental health issues. This again exemplifies what each adult must recognize, when they are not able to cope with life’s circumstances. Mental health concerns need professional attention just as any physical ailment.
Dr. Amen’s key lessons are strategies for building resilience in everyone.