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15 Number Recognition Activities for Preschool Kids
As a parent or a pre-school teacher, one of the most important skills that you would want to impart to preschool kids is to make them understand numbers and how to count. Learning numbers for toddlers can be a fun activity using games rather than something that is taught by means of rote learning.
15 Number Counting Activities and Games for Kindergarten Children
Here are some fun and engaging number games for preschoolers that can be easily played and does a great work at making kids grasp numbers.
1. Connect the Dots
Connect the dots is one of the most fun and fastest ways of helping toddlers understand how numbers are sequenced. Connect the dots is an interesting puzzle where kids can connect dots which are numbered in ascending fashion (dot numbered 1 to 2, 2 to 3, and so on). Once completed, the dots create a picture which kids can colour later.
What you need:
You can get connect the dots puzzles in daily newspapers. There is also an option of downloading existing templates from the internet and getting them printed or you can make your own puzzle using some pen and paper.
How to do:
Mark the dots with the numbers marked over them sequentially, which forms an outline of a simple shape or a closed figure when completed. Ask the kid to connect the dots using a pencil starting sequentially from the dot numbered 1 and moving ahead to bigger numbers to complete the figure using lines to join the dots between two numbers.
2. Painting Using Numbers
In this fun and informative game, preschoolers are made to colour according to colour schemes that are coded with fixed numbers. Children are supposed to colour the picture according to the colouring code that they receive with the sketch. This game not only teaches the child to understand numbers but also to associate them with a specific colour.
What you need:
You can easily get online templates for colouring which can be directly printed out to use for this activity. You can also create your own sketches by creating a colour code using a sheet of paper, a black sketch pen, or a marker, and a box of colouring pens, pencils or crayons.
How to do:
Make your own sketch with colouring scheme made on top as to what number should be coloured with which colour. Add numbers accordingly to the sketch that you made. Ask the kid to paint the sketch according to the colours corresponding to the numbers in the figure. This activity not only helps the child with understanding numerals but also in relating to corresponding colours.
3. Abacus
An abacus is an educational toy that has been in use for thousands of years and was a predecessor to out modern-day calculator for counting things. It consists of movable beads on wires fixed to a stationary wooden or bamboo frame. An abacus can be used for learning higher arithmetic operations and it also strengthens the child’s counting skills.
What you need:
An abacus can be bought online or picked up at any educational or recreational toy store.
How to use it:
Ask the child to count the number of things in the house, like windows or chairs by recording it on the abacus. The child can do this by moving the number of beads on the abacus corresponding to the number of things being counted in the exercise. This strengthens a child's number recognition ability and improves his counting skills.
4. Number Treasure Hunt
Children love treasure hunts! This is one of those number games for children that satiates their inquisitive and adventurous spirit and helps them learn as well. Creating a treasure hunt with numbers, where the kids have to collect numbers by exploring different places ensures that the children recognize numbers and do it in an engaging and enjoyable way.
What you need:
You will need sheets of paper that can be cut into small cards, a pair of scissors, a double-sided tape, a pen or pencil, a marker and a place to carry out the treasure hunt.
How to do:
You can cut the sheets of paper into smaller cards, on which numbers need to be written down and stuck in different places at the location where the activity is being carried out. Ask the child to explore the place and find as many numbers as possible in the time allotted.
5.Tracing Numbers Using Terracotta
This activity focuses on using the clay to trace numbers on paper. This is educational as well as recreational for the children. They learn how to write numbers, apart from reading and recognizing numbers in a fun and easy way.
What you need:
A standard packet of play dough or clay, sheets of paper, and a pencil or pen.
How to do:
Trace the outline of the numbers on the sheets of paper. Now hand out the sheets of paper to the children along with instructions to fill the outlines with clay and recite the number that was traced along with the activity.
6. Counting Cars of Different Colours
A road-trip is incomplete without car games, be it I-spy or just singing songs. Make your road-trip with children fun and informative with counting game. The objective of the game is to count the number of cars of a specific colour that you pass by.
What you need:
All you need is time and will to play the game during the journey.
How to do:
You can do this activity by choosing an uncommon colour for cars, like green or sky blue, or red. Then you can tell the child to keep his eyes out on the road for counting the number of cars of the same colour you pass by. This activity will boost colour as well as number recognition in your child and prepare him well for preschool.
7. Maze of Numbers
Create a puzzle in the form of a maze of numbers. It will help children in understanding the sequence of progression of numbers effectively. While doing this activity, children can start from the point numbered as 1 and keep following the numbers in sequence to complete the maze.
What you need:
A place to create the maze, some sheets of paper and a marker.
How to do:
Mark the different checkpoints in the maze with numbers starting from 1. Ask the kid to start at point number 1 and move ahead in sequence to reach the end of the maze by sticking to the sequence. This helps the child understand the sequence of numbers and effectively comprehend and apply it in a real-life situation.
8. Counting Using Styrofoam Cups
This activity can be carried out using multiple styrofoam cups wherein the kids can be asked to count and sort different varieties of products. This activity can improve a child’s counting as well as shape recognition and sorting skills.
What you need:
4 to 5 Styrofoam cups and different items like toffees, erasers, blocks and marbles in different quantities. You would also need a pen or a sketch pen to mark the cups as well.
How to do:
Mark the cups starting from 1 to 5. Arrange items in quantity as per to the numbers on the cups, for example, 1 toffee, 2 blocks, 3 erasers, 4 marbles and so on. Give the mixture to the child and ask them to sort the different items first. Then ask them to count the different items separately and drop them in the styrofoam cups with the numbers as per the quantity of the respective item. This is one of the most powerful counting activities for preschoolers as it teaches them to count and recognize the number corresponding to the counted quantity, apart from also teaching them effective sorting skills.
9. Counting Dice
Dice are very simple toys used in board games for children. A die has six faces, each with a different number of dots from 1 to 6. Dice can be used as powerful educational tools to teach kids how to count and recognize numbers effectively.
What you need:
You can carry out this activity with children using just a pair of dice.
How to do:
Roll a pair of dice on a table with kids and ask them to count the number of dots on both the dice separately and cumulatively to make the child adept at counting and adding numbers.
10. Matching Playing Cards
This is a fun exercise where you can ask kids to match the face value of one card with the face value of another card. This can help the child in relating and equating same numbers by counting as well as by understanding the way of writing the numerals.
What you need:
You can carry out this activity with a standard deck of playing cards.
How to do:
Ask the child to pick a card from the deck (make sure that it is a number card and not a face card). Next, you can ask her or him to find the cards equal in face value to the card selected by the child. You can repeat the same with other numerals.
11. Counting Flower Petals
This activity makes the kids go out into nature and enjoy its beauty in addition to teaching them how to count effectively in a fun manner.
What you need:
A flower with many petals.
How to do:
Take the children to a nice blossoming garden with multiple blooming flower beds. Ask them to collect a specific number of flowers. Once they collect the number of flowers allotted to them, ask them to count the total number of petals on the flowers they have collected.
12. Making Number Tower using Numeral Blocks
This exercise involves forming a tower of numerals using blocks with numbers on them in ascending order.
What you need:
You need a toy with blocks having numerals printed on them from 1 to 9.
How to do:
This exercise involves guiding the kids to build a tower made of blocks with numerals printed on each one of them. This helps the children to understand number sequencing and recognizing numerals through a classic method.
13. Chores List using Dominoes
This can be an interesting activity in kindergarten, wherein the children are asked to pick up a domino and asked to count the number of dots on it and list down chores equal to the number of dots selected for the day.
What you need:
A set of dominoes, a sheet of paper, and a pencil.
How to do:
Get a set of dominoes and ask the children to pick a domino. Next, ask them to count the number of dots on the selected domino. Once they successfully count the number of dots, ask them to list down the chores for the day on the sheet of paper, equal to the number of dots counted on the domino and complete them throughout the day. This activity imbibes basic planning skills in addition to counting skills in a preschooler’s mind.
14. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a fun game which has squares which are numbered in ascending order and the kids playing it hop one-legged to the square on which they are supposed to land. This can be a fun way to make the kids understand numbers as well as promote outdoor activity.
What you need:
This exercise would require a space to make the hopscotch tiles and a chalk to mark the squares.
How to play:
Make the hopscotch tiles according to the usual standards with numbers marked in the ascending order on them. Call out a number and ask the kids to jump to reach the square with the number called out to them. In this way, the children learn to recognize numerals along with getting an enjoyable playing session.
15. Bowling with Numbered Plastic Bottles
This is an interesting and extremely fun activity with plastic bottles which are numbered from 1 to 10 arranged in the form of bowling pins. Kids can bowl the pins over with a softball and count the pins accordingly.
What you need:
10 empty plastic bottles, a softball, a permanent marker, a whiteboard marker, and a whiteboard.
How to do:
Mark the empty plastic bottles with numbers from 1 to 10 using the permanent marker. Arrange them in a formation similar to bowling pins. Ask the child to bowl with the softball on the marked plastic bottles. After bowling, ask the child to count and record the number of bottles that are up and the number of bottles that are down.
These were a few of the fun activities that can be carried out to creatively engage preschoolers and make them learn about numbers and reinforce number recognition in their impressionable minds.
Also Read: 15 Fun Learning Activities for Kids Read more
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Teaching Toddlers to Draw a Circle
At 24 months of age, toddlers gain considerable control over their motor skills. This is the right time to introduce drawing activities for toddlers to help them draw circles and other shapes. These interesting activities will make kids enjoy going round and round with their circles.
Have you been observing your toddler during scribbling time? In all probability, she supports her crayon with the help of her palm, and her thumb pointing towards the sky. Even as you show her how to hold crayons the right way, she makes rough strokes. At times, she may emulate your strokes vigorously to no avail. These hacks will help your toddler gradually create circles.
Tips for Teaching Your Toddler to Draw a Circle
Circles within a Big Circle
Take a large size sheet of paper and plenty of colorful crayons. Draw a big circle that’s capable of fitting many smaller ones within. Once your little one has seen you do this, flip the sheet over and draw one large circle for her to start with. Encourage her to follow the line with her favourite colours and keep drawing smaller circles until she can barely fit in a dot. Is she gripping the crayon too tightly? What about her posture? Has she been hunching over the sheet? Keep checking and correcting her and soon she’ll be drawing circles more easily.
Cut-outs and Flashcards
Making your 24-month-old toddler draw a circle is not something you can achieve in a day or even a week. From the crayon fleeting across the page to ill-formed globules making you nervy, you’ll have to go through it all. Why not try flashcards and cut-outs in circular shapes? Put a cardboard circle face down on paper and hold it in place with your finger. Next, ask your baby to go around it with soft strokes.
Pin and Thread
A 24-month-old toddler trying to draw a circle is bound to let things go out of shape. But, you can curb irregular strokes with the help of a pencil tied to a thread. The other end of the thread needs to be looped around a pin at the center of the paper. As your little one starts moving the pencil held firmly by her fingers and keeping the thread taut, a circle will slowly appear.
Outlining with a Bowl
Ranking high on the list of circle-drawing activities, this tip is easy to follow. Grab a bowl with a fine edge from your kitchen cabinet. Overturn it on a sheet of paper and help your toddler draw a neat outline around its outer edge. Once done, you can make dots for eyes and a curved line for a smile.
Two Half Circles
Do you have an old protractor lying somewhere? Draw a half moon and an inverted half moon with it. Cut out the shapes and paste them on a coloured sheet of paper to make a complete circle. Make sure that your little one is watching you do it. Now, encourage her to use the protractor to create a semi-circle, flip over the instrument, and ask her to draw another semi-circle just like you did. Read more
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Confused About What Essentials to Stock During the Coronavirus Situation? This List Is All You Need!
The current coronavirus situation has made us think, re-think, and sometimes overthink about what we need to do, especially during the lockdown. One of the major fears making rounds in the world today is the unavailability of essentials. While most countries have announced a complete lockdown, essential commodities and essential services are still functioning to their best capacities. However, the panic-stricken human in us is running haywire to hoard items we probably don’t even need. Several cities have reported that items are flying off the shelf, creating a shortage of several essentials like hand sanitizer, paracetamols, multi-vitamins, and toilet paper. But do we need to panic? Not really. Do we need to be prepared? Absolutely!
Before you step out to buy essentials for you and your family, read through the article till the end. Here, we have enlisted items necessary to help your family get through the lockdown comfortably till life resumes back to normalcy.
List of Perishable Items to Stock Up on During the Lockdown
Here’s a quick list of common perishable items that you are sure to need during this critical time.
Please note - Some of these items are long-lasting while some are not. Therefore, it is a good practise to figure out how much you can store and consume before it gets rotten.
Fruits
Apples
Bananas
Oranges
Lemons
Limes
Pomegranates
Clementines
Peaches
Plums
Melons
Canned Fruits
Vegetables
Choosing vegetables can get a little tricky. Here’s a quick tip for you to make a choice when buying vegetables - Cook and consume the vegetables with the most water content as soon as you get them because the ones with lesser water content can last longer.
Go for these veggies during the lockdown.
Leafy Vegetables – Spinach, Fenugreek, Dill, etc.
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Onions
Garlic
Squash
Pumpkin
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Green peas
Cucumbers
Gourds – Bitter Gourds, Sponge Gourds, Snake Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Ash Gourd, Pointed Gourd.
Canned Vegetables
Dairy
These dairy essentials will help you take care of breakfast and snacks during the day.
Milk/ Dairy Whitener
Cream
Yoghurt
Butter
Cottage Cheese/ Paneer
If you are a vegan, lactose intolerant, or have an aversion to dairy, stock up on substitutes for dairy.
Substitutes for Dairy
Soy Milk
Almond Milk
Coconut Milk
Flax Milk
Hemp Milk
Rice Milk
Protein
Protein is an essential part of the diet. It is more so necessary during the time of the coronavirus pandemic when we need to stay fit.
Get these to meet your daily protein requirement.
Eggs
Frozen Meat
The reason why we recommend frozen meat is because fresh raw meat may not be available extensively during the lockdown. Plus, you can store it in your freezer and cook it as and when required, but before the expiry date. Raw meat, when stored at zero degree Celsius can last for 2 to 12 months depending on what meat it is and which part of the meat it is.
Speaking of frozen meat, you may want to consider some more frozen foods during the lockdown.
Frozen Food
Readily available frozen foods are a great purchase to make during the coronavirus lockdown to ensure your diet has all the nutrition you need to stay healthy.
Frozen Fruits – Berries, Peaches, and Cherries.
Frozen Vegetables – Peas, Corn, Spinach, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, Green Beans, etc.
If you don’t anticipate a need for frozen foods, you can refrigerate some fresh vegetables and fruits like your greens, tomatoes, gourds, peaches, etc. in the vegetable and fruit compartments of your refrigerator instead of crowding your freezer.
Alternatively, you can also choose to freeze some perishable items like the ones given below to make them last longer.
Foods You Can Freeze At Home
Freezing foods at home may require more time and care, but it can prove to be a great way to preserve food. Here’s what you can preserve at home.
Cooked Rice
Cooked Pasta
Fruits (berries, peeled bananas,
Cooked/ Blanched Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, peas, spinach puree, etc.)
Stock
Raw/ Cooked Meat (in separate containers to avoid contamination)
More tips on freezing foods at home are provided below. Be sure to read and follow them carefully before freezing any fresh produce. Freezing foods can make foods last longer without losing much of their nutritional value. Appropriate freezing methods can help prevent contamination or diseases due to contamination too.
Now, let’s take a look at some more items you can choose from to stock-up your kitchen/pantry during the lockdown.
Preserves
Preserves are great to lather on a toast or as an important element of most mains.
Jam
Jelly
Marmalade
Fruit Butter
Ketchup
Dry and Wet Chutneys
Pickles
Baked Foods
And, how can we forget baked foods? They can come in handy when you have kids or when you are a snacker yourself.
Ensure you stock enough of -
Biscuits
Cookies
A few bread loafs
Now, let’s take a look at some non-perishable items that will see you through this isolation period.
List of Non-Perishable Items to Stock During the Coronavirus Lockdown
Here, we have enlisted, in different categories, some non-perishable food items that can last for months. These foods are also important to ensure you have enough protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals in your diet, especially if you are a vegetarian. Let’s begin with whole grains.
Whole Grains
White/ Brown Rice
Wheat/ Gehu
Oatmeal
Finger Millet/ Ragi
Maize
Sorghum/ Jowar
Although most families opt to buy readymade flours, it is better to stock up on some whole grains for the future. However, if you have access to dry flours, consider this list to decide your essentials.
Dry Flour
Wheat Flour
Sorghum/ Jowar Flour
Refined Flour/ Maida
Gram Flour/ Besan
Ragi Flour
Another important ingredient you must consider while purchasing groceries is legumes. They are packed with protein, dietary fibre, carbs, vitamins and minerals.
Legumes
These legumes can be used in several preparations to make breakfast items, main and side dishes too.
Ensure you buy at least 2 or 3 to add variation to your food.
Lentils/ Dal – Green Moong, Tur/ Arhar Dal, Masoor Dal, Urad Dal, and Chickpeas.
Beans – Soy Beans, Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Dried Split Pea, etc.
Since we’re at it, here’s a list of nuts and seeds that you can stock up on too.
Nuts, Seeds and Dry Fruits
Nuts, seeds and dry fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins. They can provide instant energy and also help cope stress during the lockdown.
Peanuts
Almonds
Flax Seeds
Sesame Seeds
Chia Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Cashew nuts
Walnuts
Dates/ Dried Dates
Pistachios
Raisins
Prunes
Dries Figs
Lotus Seeds/ Makhana
Pine Nuts
Let’s move on to the breakfast items now. After all, it is the most important meal of the day.
Breakfast Foods
These breakfast items can help you add variety to your breakfast menu and also ensure you begin your day with food packed with nutrition.
Cereal
Flattened Rice/ Poha
Semolina/ Rawa
Don’t forget the condiments, spices and beverages. Be sure you have enough of these too for the lockdown.
Condiments
Refined Oil
Ghee
Butter
Powdered Spices
Turmeric
Chilli Powder
Garam Masala
Coriander Powder
Mustard Seeds
Cumin Seeds
Salt
Dry Ginger Powder
Whole Spices
Clove
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Pepper
Beverages
Tea
Coffee
Health and Nutrition Drinks
There are some more essential items you’ll need to consider to get through this difficult time safely.
Other Essentials to Stock-Up on During the Coronavirus Lockdown
Other than the items mentioned above, you must also have enough items required for you to take care of unforeseen issues, especially medical and child-care. Read on to know more.
Children’s Food
Needless to say, if you have babies in the house, you should be ready to meet your child’s dietary requirement. Most of the ingredients mentioned above can be used to prepare your child’s meal. However, you might find this list pretty helpful if your baby has been weaned on to solid foods.
Readymade Fruit Purees
Readymade Vegetable Purees
Cerelac
Crackers
Medicines
Stock up on all your regular prescribed medication that will last you at least a month. Other medicines you may consider buying in some amounts are –
Paracetamol
Antacids
Over the counter pain killers (to be used with caution)
Your baby’s medicines
Antihistamines
Alcohol-Based Sanitiser
Antiseptic Wipes
Antiseptic cream/ liquid
Diapers
Diaper rash cream
Remember that most pharmaceutical stores will be open and serving during the lockdown. Therefore, buy sensibly so that you do not deprive someone else in need.
Toiletries and Cleaning Essentials
Lastly, don’t forget to buy enough toiletries and cleaning essentials to keep yourself and your home clean. Here’s what you must look for –
Soap/ Body Wash
Baby Soap, Powder, etc.
Hand Wash
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Detergent
Floor Cleaning Liquid
Cleaning Agents for Hard Surfaces
Liquid or Bar Dish Wash
Toilet Rolls
Facial Tissue
Now that you have an idea of the essentials you need to stock up on, here are some tips for you to ensure you have enough for the lockdown and take necessary actions to prevent wastage of any kind.
Tips to Ensure You Have Enough to Survive the Lockdown
Scan your pantry and list out the essentials you already have in your house.
Jot down the expiry date of the items, wherever given. This will help you use the items that are nearing their expiry and avoid wastage.
Make different lists of perishable and non-perishable items to avoid missing anything.
Try to purchase whole vegetables or fruits instead of cut ones if buying them fresh.
If you happen to buy more perishables, use the ones that cannot be frozen, and freeze those that can be frozen.
Freeze veggies/fruits when they are fresh.
To freeze vegetables/ fruits at home, you can either cook them completely or blanch them. Be sure you let them cool down at room temperature before you stack them in the freezer. Cooking/ blanching vegetables and fruits before you freeze them helps kill bacteria if any and preserve the colour, flavour and the texture of the food. Doing so also helps maintain the nutritional value of the foods by slowing down the loss of vitamins.
All the foods you want to freeze or store in the freezer should be packed in different zip lock bags or properly sealed containers.
Take special care while freezing meat.
If you happen to thaw frozen meat, ensure you cook it and only then freeze it. Do not re-freeze thawed meat.
Do not pack the freezer with foods. Let there be enough room for the cool air to circulate.
For more information on frozen foods, you may also refer to the guide on fda.gov.
This list might seem extensive; however, you don’t have to purchase each item mentioned in this article. It is for your reference only, and you are the best person to decide what foods you need to buy to suit you and your family’s requirements. When you have the final list ready, ensure you glance through it once again to remove any unnecessary items. Also, be responsible and avoid hoarding because the time is critical for everyone.
Also Read:
State-Wise Government Approved COVID-19 Laboratories in India
How to Protect the Senior Citizens at Home Against the Coronavirus
Keeping Your Home Coronavirus-Free Read more
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Forest Bathing - Why Do You Need to Try It?
In this fast-paced urban life, one can very easily feel drained or burnt out. You become unable to perform basic tasks and try to get through the day, hoping the weekend will fix everything right back into shape. But alas! Not even the weekend can rejuvenate you. However, we know what will do the trick. What you need to do is immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and relax in its calmness. And the best way to do so is through forest bathing or ‘shinrin-yoku,’ as they call it in Japanese. The word “Shinrin” means forest, and “Yoku” means bathing.
The nation’s physical health is beginning to suffer due to our growing separation from nature and declining physical activity levels. Forest Bathing blends the physical and mental benefits of being amidst nature with the spiritual benefits of meditation to create a unique experience.
What Is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing is a therapy that originated in Japan in the 1980s and has since become a cornerstone of Japanese medicine's preventive health care and recovery. Forest bathing and therapy (or shinrin-yoku) entail embracing the forest atmosphere with all of one's senses. It is more than just a walk in the woods; it's an intentional and meditative discipline of being immersed in the forest's sights, sounds, and aromas.
Why Is Forest Bathing Good?
There are several benefits of forest bathing. It positively creates calming neuro-psychological effects through changes in the nervous system, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and boosting the immune system, according to several studies conducted primarily in Japan and South Korea on the health benefits of spending time among the trees. In addition to these, forest bathing also benefits in the following ways:
1. Heightened Awareness
You can turn off unwanted ideas as you will be immersed and mesmerized by the sights and sounds that mother nature offers.
2. Better Mood
You will feel less irritable, worried, and depressed as the greenery and fresh air tend to affect your brain positively.
3. Boost Your Self-esteem and Confidence
During forest bathing, you tend to rid yourself of all negative thoughts and emotions; you subconsciously begin to feel much better. The goof feeling leads to good thoughts about yourself instead of perpetual worry, self-doubt, and criticism.
4. Overcome Anxiety
The chemicals that our brain releases when it is one with nature help boost our mental well-being.
5. Avoid Burnout and Stress
Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki of Chiba University in Japan has been studying the effects of Woodland Bathing since 2004. He discovered that leisurely forest walks result in a 12.4% reduction in the stress hormone cortisol compared to urban walks.
6. Good Hormones
Spending time amidst nature generates hormones associated with seeking happiness, connecting you to serenity while avoiding anxiety and stress.
7. Improve Your Sleep and Rest
Since you will be at peace mentally and spiritually, sleep quality improves significantly, allowing us to be refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
8. Rid Yourself of Addictions
Enhance your ability to regulate cravings and break free from addictions as you connect with your inner self.
9. Find Peace and Serenity
In the current moment, find tranquility and contentment as there exists a strong connection between the calmness of nature and happiness and mental wellbeing.
10. Improve Immunity
When we spend time in the forest, trees and plants emit phytoncides which we breathe in. In tests conducted by Qing Li, a Japanese Shinrin Yoku researcher, these phytoncides reportedly increase the activity of Natural Killer cells, which help our bodies fight disease.
Where Can We Do Forest Bathing?
In Japan, there are now 44 authorized Shinrin-Yoku forests, and the research undertaken has aided in the spread of Shinrin-Yoku and forest therapy around the world. If you don't have access to a forest or woodland, you can practice Shinrin-Yoku in a park.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a forest in their backyard. In reality, most city dwellers have to drive a considerable distance to get near the forests. Nature, on the other hand, is all around us. You can forest-bathe everywhere on the planet, as long as there are trees, regardless of whether the weather is hot, cold, rainy, sunny, or snowy. A forest isn't even required. Shinrin-yoku can be done at any place — in a neighboring park or your garden — once you learn to do it. You can also try out tree bathing and sense-based workouts in any urban park near you.
People who cannot go out into the city parks or are restricted due to disabilities can participate in sense-based nature therapy activities from the comfort of their homes by bringing natural elements indoors. Even in a closed cage, you can use your imagination to create a natural connection.
Tips for Newbies in Forest Bathing
To indulge in the experience fully, keep these tips in mind:
Beginners and young children should begin with simple exercises that focus on natural objects. These can help calm their senses, improve attention, and train them to control the direction of thoughts and feelings by focusing and controlling their attention.
Walking with a professional forest therapist can make you feel more at ease and help you find the ideal setting for your needs. You will be given a physical health check and a psychological questionnaire when you arrive. The therapist will then devise the optimal walking strategy for you.
Without a guide, though, woodland bathing is just as straightforward. In addition, numerous activities in the forest can help you relax and connect with nature.
What Happens In a Forest Bathing Session?
Relaxing in a forest bathing session is almost instantaneous. By engaging in certain activities, you can become more aware of everything around you and focus on the more important things of life.
1. Relaxation and Awareness
Participants are encouraged to relax their muscles from head to toe before bathing in the sounds, sights, and fragrances around them, like a flowing waterfall, a full moon veiled by an overcast sky, an aromatic herb garden, or a rose garden, etc. We can expand our awareness once we achieve a calmer state of mind. The cycle of transformations can be sensed in the depths of the forest – the person we used to be and the person we are still in the process of becoming. Our connectedness to our life grows as our consciousness grows in the forest.
2. Walking in the Forest
The second activity is to spend 15 minutes wandering in a forest or a garden.
3. Focus
While walking through the winding paths, focus on every sight and sound around you.
4. Meditation
Finally, you can choose a comfortable spot to sit for a few minutes. Sometimes doing nothing and only enjoying the calmness can be beneficial.
5. Answers
Our minds get a well-deserved break to apply themselves with renewed vigor and come up with unexpectedly innovative ideas. Rather than just pursuing answers, it learns to ask the appropriate questions. We gain new insights, learn new things, and comprehend life better. It is the start of a voyage of self-discovery.
Tips for Solo Forest Bathing
As there are numerous characteristic benefits of shinrin yoku, it is only normal to engage in it alone. And to do so, you should keep the following in mind:
1. Location
First, choose a suitable location where you can stroll around aimlessly. Allow your body to lead you, absorbing the sights, sounds, and fragrances of nature while letting the forest inside you.
2. Avoid Distractions
Double-check to ensure you have left your phone or camera behind. You don’t need gadgets or other distractions while wandering in a forest; these only distract your attention and diminish the effect that these experiences are meant to provide.
3. Be Safe
Always be aware of your surroundings, stay on defined pathways, and dress appropriately (considering sun protection, allergies, and insect repellents, for example). Any potential threats, such as dangerous animals or uneven land, should also be considered. Bring a friend along or inform someone beforehand where you're going and how long you'll be gone.
4. Give in to Your Senses
You are taking in the sights, sounds, and fragrances of nature while letting the forest in. The five senses are the key to unleashing the forest's power. Allow nature to penetrate through your senses of hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch. Listen to the birds singing along as the leaves rustle in the breeze. Take note of the many shades of green, the sunshine filtering through the tall branches of the trees, and more. Inhale the natural aromatherapy of phytoncides while inhaling the scent of the forest. As you take deep breaths, notice how fresh the air is. Place your hands on a tree's trunk, let the cool stream touch your toes, lay down on the ground, and stare at the sky. Inhale the scent of the forest and let go of your anxiety and stress.
How Often Should You Forest Bath?
Forest bathing for at least 20 minutes every day is a decent rule of thumb. Only 15 minutes of woodland bathing is believed to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve focus and mental clarity.
It is fine if you don't have much free time to forest bathe every day. Any amount of time spent outside in the fresh air and sunshine is beneficial. Furthermore, since woodland bathing aims to relax and detach, it should not feel like a task. It should be a fun pastime that you look forward to.
Forest bathing can help you get back to your best self, and the best part is you do not necessarily need a forest. People of all ages can partake in this tranquil and life-altering experience. Get connected to nature and reap its benefits.
Also Read:
Tips to Calm Your Mind Instantly
How to Use The Power of Silence
How to Activate Your Subconscious Mind
Read more
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Household Objects That Young Children Love
Toddlers tend to get bored of the toys parents buy for them. However, there are a few seemingly unattractive things that appear to attract them no end. Here's a list of some of the home items 12-month-old babies love to play with.
After putting in a lot of thought and research to buy the best toys for your toddler, he doesn’t seem all that keen on them. Instead, he appears more taken in by household items! Well, it’s not just your child who has a different taste. Many toddlers love to explore objects that parents use in everyday life.
6 Household Items Toddlers Love to Play with
1. Utensils
Since your tot spends the better part of the day following you, the pots, pans and spoons in the kitchen can become an attraction. He may love seeing his reflection on shiny pots. He may also mimic you by stirring a spatula in a pan. As harmless as this play is, do keep away all sharp and breakable objects. You also need to ensure he doesn’t go near hot utensils.
2. Laundry
This is one thing you dread the most! Folding laundry is tedious to say the least but your toddler loves playing with freshly laundered clothes. He opens up folded clothes or puts in a dirty sock into a pile of just washed garments. He’s too young to know the pain you go through to sort out clothes and fold them!
3. Storage Containers
Your child may be enamoured with containers of different colours and sizes, some of which have goodies stored inside. He may like to pull them out and stack them. This is fine as long they don’t fall and hurt him. You also want to make sure that glass containers are placed well out of his reach. Screw lids tightly to avoid spillage.
4. Remote Controls
This is one home item that 12-month-old babies and older toddlers love to play with. The gadget, with lots of colourful buttons, can attract your darling no end. What's more, he can press the buttons too. As long he doesn’t bang or throw the remote control, it’s okay to let him play. Always remove the batteries to avoid a choking accident.
5. Bottles and Tubes of Lotion
Toddlers love to squeeze tubes and watch cream or toothpaste oozing out. They also love to pour lotion on their hands and mimic you and your partner using it. Messy, a pain to clean and risky if consumed, your first instinct could be to shout. But rather than scare your child, impress upon him that he’s not to touch them.
6. Toilet Paper
The tissue roll in the toilet can fascinate toddlers. Maybe they see it as something magical that spews out a never-ending supply of paper! Your child may like pulling it and seeing how far it reaches. It’s a harmless activity so long as he doesn’t tear it and put it in his mouth.
As long as your child is safe, let him enjoy his exploration game. It can familiarise him with different textures, shapes and colours. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. size chart is not correct for age of the baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. generally it is available from Indian academy growth chart download from Google. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. hello since u are a expecting mom this would require a proper medical attention and it is better to check with your doctor and your doctor will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
24 mins ago
A. hi
ideally it can be taken or done as one's expected period date has passed.
you can get accurate result as oppose to relying on early pre period testing method that can lead to faulty results in such cases.
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. You can take pregnancy test after 1 month of missing your period. If the test comes negative then please try again after one week. Also it is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a gynaecologist and follow doctors advise properly.
Thanks and take care
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