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Top 35 Activities for 4 Year Old Preschoolers
Children of this age are learning to express their emotions and are learning about it in many ways. Thus, below are a few activities that help in the overall development of your child.
Art and Craft Activities
Here are five arts and crafts ideas for your four years old:
1. Foam Mosaics
Teach your child some essential abstract art.
How To Do
Get some colourful craft foam, recycled cardboard, glue, paintbrushes and scissors.
Show your child how to cut the foam and stick them onto a piece of cardboard.
What Does It Teach?
Motor skills
Creativity
2. Printing Baskets
For this activity, all you need are some baskets, paint, a dish or a plate for holding the paint and paper.
How To Do
Fill the paint dishes with paints of the children’s choice.
Dip the baskets into the paint and then stamp them onto the paper.
Your children can stamp some designs onto card paper.
What Does It Teach?
Improves creativity
3. Paper Weaving
All you need are two papers of different colours, scissors, a pencil and a ruler to get this crafty piece of art done.
How To Do
Take one of the sheets and draw straight lines across the page.
For the next sheet, fold it in half and then draw straight lines from the fold, leaving at least 3 centimetres space from the edge of the paper.
Make strips out of the first sheet of paper.
For the second, cut along the lines but do not cut all the way through. When you open the paper, it should still be intact, but with large slits in the paper.
Take the slits you made earlier and show your children how to weave the two papers by alternating them over and under.
What Does It Teach?
Hand-eye coordination
Fine motor skills of your child
Basics of sewing and weaving techniques
4. Microwave Puffy Paint
Your kids will be entertained and will learn something new.
How To Do
Take half a cup of flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, two teaspoons of salt and some food colouring you can make some paint by adding enough water to make a paste out of the ingredients. Add a cardboard or mat board as a base for the creations and get started.
Mix the ingredients into separate little bowls and add the colours. Once done, use some old squeeze bottles and let the kids go to town on the mats.
Microwave the creations for 30 – 40 seconds.
What Does It Teach?
Innovation
Creativity
5. Circle Painting
Make an emphasis on recycling!
How To Do
Use some items that can be used to make the imprint of a circle, such as soda bottles, straws, jars etc.
Take a piece of paper, and allow your children to dip the circular bits into the paint to make circular imprints on the paper.
What Does It Teach?
Curiosity
Creativity
Sensory Developmental Activities
Here are some sensory developmental activities:
1. Play Dough
This is a fun way for your kids to have their sensory skills improved.
How To Do
Your kids can use rolling pins, cookie cutters and play scissors to manipulate and decorate their dough.
Encourage some descriptions to help them understand the sensory experience.
What Does It Teach?
Improved vocabulary
Hand-eye coordination
2. Snowballs and Marbles
A sorting activity to keep your children occupied.
How To Do
Fill a bin with cotton balls and marbles
Have your child sort them out into two separate containers using only their sense of touch.
What Does It Teach?
Improves focus
The sensation of touch.
3. Ice Finds
A fun game on a hot summer’s day.
How To Do
You will need to freeze a lot of ice cubes, some with toys and some without toys.
The aim is for your children to find the toys inside by getting through the ice barrier.
What Does It Teach?
The scientific approach of analysis
4. McDonald’s Sandbox Farm
If your kids love Old McDonald, then they are going to love this activity!
How To Do
Hide some plastic animals in a tub of sand and have your child find them as you sing the rhyme.
For example “And on his farm, he had some cows”, and ask your child to find the cow.
What Does It Teach?
Sense of touch
Word association
5. Shaving Cream Trey
This is messy play at its best.
How To Do
Fill three trays with shaving cream with a pot of paint near each.
Let your kids take turns experimenting with the paint and the cream.
The mix of the paint colours as they dip their hands from one tray to the next is what amazes children the most with this.
What Does It Teach?
Curiosity
Educational And Learning Activities
Here are some educational activities to consider:
1. Weather Clothing Tags
Kids who like dressing themselves will like this.
How To Do
Cut some poster boards into circles of three colours, and write “hot” “cool” and “wet” on them.
Make a hole through them and slide the twist tie through.
Attach them to the hanger, and make sure to explain to your child why certain clothes are needed during certain types of weather.
What Does It Teach?
Vocabulary.
Self-care.
2. Alphabet Tree
Learning alphabets the fun way!
How To Do
Using a brown sheet, guide your children into cutting out the tree trunk and branches of a tree.
Then cut out 26 green leaves and write down an alphabet on each of them.
Then get your child to stick them all together, reading out the name of the letter as they stick them onto the tree.
What Does It Teach?
Motor skills
Reading skills
Letter recognition skills.
3. A Story Game
This is one of the more fun reading activities for 4-year-olds.
How To Do
Ask your child to describe an event, like a trip to the park, in three sentences.
Write one sentence on each card and then place them randomly in front of your child.
Help them read the cards, and then ask them to put the cards in the correct sequence.
What Does It Teach?
Improved vocabulary
4. Scavenger Hunt
A fun activity that will keep them occupied for hours.
How To Do
Get your child a new puzzle and hide the pieces around the house. On some sticky notes, write down instructions such as “take three steps to the right, one back and turn around. Look under the table.”
Give them a little bag to collect the pieces in and then you can all solve the puzzle together once all the pieces are found.
What Does It Teach?
Problem-solving
5. Number Dosas
This one encourages your child to learn numbers as well as pleases the tummy.
How To Do
When making dosas, put some of the batters into a squeeze bottle and then ask your child to write down a number for you on a piece of paper.
He should show it to you and read it aloud.
Go ahead and squeeze the batter onto the pan in the shape of that number.
What Does It Teach?
Number recognition
Montessori Activities
Try some daily life activities that will help your child improve their concentration.
1. Pet Care
A good activity for kids who love animals.
How To Do
Get your child to help you serve your pet and feed them using the correct materials, amount and at the same time each day.
Your children can also help in bathing your pet if your pet is the type to remain calm during a bath.
Brushing down fur is another great activity your child can do.
What Does It Teach?
Empathy
Responsibility
Concentration and good memory
2. Dishwashing
If your child likes to play in the water, then she will love this one.
How To Do
Allow your child to try washing a few plastic cups and plates so that they can learn how it’s done.
Make sure that there aren’t any knives or anything you do not feel comfortable with them handling just yet.
What Does It Teach?
Hygiene
Concentration skills
3. Sous Chef
Kids who take pleasure in their meals are bound to take more in its preparation.
How To Do
Ask your child to assist you in the kitchen with the cooking by doing simple things.
Start with such as helping you measure ingredients, rolling out chapattis, and passing you some of the other things you may need. You can also help them work on their reading skills by reading out the steps in a recipe.
What Does It Teach
Ability to follow instructions
Reading skills
4. Folding Laundry
It may sound tedious, but folding laundry can teach a child a lot.
How To Do
Show your child how to fold a few simple things, and you can also teach them about different kinds of clothes and what they are used for.
What Does It Teach
Problem-solving skills
Motor skills
5. Kids and Cutlery
Help kids to learn this skill at an early age.
How To Do
Get your little one to help you to organise the cutlery drawer by organising the spoons, forks and other cutlery into their correct places.
What Does It Teach
Organisational skills
Indoor Activities
Here are some indoor activities for 4-year-olds at home:
1. Board Games
An interactive experience for the whole family.
How To Do
Get some board games for your children such as Snakes and Ladders, Cluedo or Pictionary. Pick one and go through the rules together and then start playing.
What Does It Teach?
Problem-solving
Artistic skills
2. Do Some Baking
Baking is a fun activity that ends in delicious treats for the family.
How To Do
Pick your children’s favourite recipe and get them to help out with the measuring, reading the recipe and anything else that is required. Decorating muffins can be a very fun project.
What Does It Teach?
Ability to listen to instructions
3. Play Card
This is a good activity to do while travelling.
How To Do
Teach your kids your favourite card game, perhaps a simple one such as donkey, where everyone each gets a card and must follow the pattern on the card left open in the deck.
If it is a 3 of hearts, everyone will need to play hearts and whoever plays the highest number wins the hand.
Uno is another fun game where your children follow colours or numbers.
What Does It Teach
Play by the rules
Math skills
4. Story Time
Gather together and do some fun reading with your children.
How To Do
Grab some pillows, blankets, hot chocolate and your child’s favourite storybook and read together.
What Does It Teach?
Vocabulary
Analytical skills
5. Dance
Get ready to bogey with this activity!
How To Do
Play some music and dance.
You can either do spontaneous dance moves; or you can teach your child a dance that you may have learned, such as the jive.
You can also make up steps together to their favourite song.
What Does It Teach?
Improves memory
Outdoor Activities
Some outdoor activities that your children will love are:
1. Go For A Walk
Here is how you can help your child learn while out on a walk.
How To Do
When you go out for a stroll, you can point things out to your child and teach them the names of different things.
Walking in nature is especially rewarding, but even a simple walk down the street can be very exciting for your pre-schooler.
What Does It Teach?
Creativity
Observational powers
2. Create An Obstacle Course
Creative and exciting; your children will get a kick out of this one.
How To Do
Gather some hula hoops and place them on the ground and have a tennis ball and a bucket at the end.
Get your little one to hope through the hoops and then throw the ball into the bucket.
Keep changing up the position of the hoops.
What Does It Teach?
Motor skills
Concentration
3. Gardening
This is something that can be quite enjoyable for children of this age.
How To Do
Whether it is gardening in pots or the earth, gardening gives your child a reason to explore the ground.
Teach your child how to plant seeds and re-pot plants.
Give them the responsibility of watering them each day.
What Does It Teach?
Responsibility
4. Ride A Bike
When mastered, it can be a very simple task.
How To Do It
Removing the training wheels to help them learn how to balance without it.
Stay with your child and do not just leave her alone.
What Does It Teach?
Motor skills
5. Play Catch
A fun game loved by many.
How To Do
Take a ball or a beanie and keep throwing it for your kids to catch until they get the hang of it.
What Does It Teach?
Hand-eye coordination
Motor skills.
Cognitive Activities
A child’s thinking and reasoning skills get a good workout with these simple activities:
1. I Spy
This one is a good one for when you need to wait somewhere.
How To Do
The game goes like this, you say “I spy with my little eye, something in colour blue” and your child will need to guess which blue object you spy.
What Does It Teach?
Reasoning ability
2. Numbers
Teach your child to keep track of numbers with this activity.
How To Do
If you look around the house, you will find that you have a lot of things to practice counting and words with.
For example, have your child count the candlesticks, the lamps or even the number of buttons on the remote. You can even line up their toys and teach them to add and subtract.
What Does It Teach?
Math Skills
3. Matching
A fun way of teaching your children that some things come in pairs.
How To Do
Take one item from something that is a pair, such as a shoe, a sock etc.
Ask your child to bring you the other one.
If you choose something like a pen or a pencil, make sure that your child knows where to find another one.
What Does It Teach?
Object Association
4. Jigsaw Puzzles
A fun activity to keep your child occupied for a while.
How To Do
Get a new puzzle that your child has not solved before and get cracking together.
What Does It Teach?
Problem-solving
5. Building Blocks
Games that involve building puts your child’s mind to great use.
How To Do
Building blocks or Jenga are two fun games that can require your child to figure out how to keep something stable and not let it topple over.
What Does It Teach?
Problem-solving skills
Put your child’s natural want for learning and experimentation to use with some good activities that not only keep her busy but also keep you happy knowing that your child is now involved in things that are more productive. Every child has 8 different types of smarts, with each one focusing on different aspects of their development. To raise a smart, well-rounded child, nurture each of those smarts by learning through play! FirstCry Intellikit is an activity box for kids that emphasises that children play and learn by way of fun and interesting activities that help boost their brain development. To get your hands on the latest Intellikit subscription box, click here.
Also Read: Creative Activities for Children Read more
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Breastfeeding your Baby: How to Get Started
Breastfeeding is a natural, extremely essential and instinctual habit, but it also is a learning process for both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding helps build a special bond between you and your baby, besides providing protection from illnesses and ensuring adequate physical as well as mental growth for the baby.
Why Breastfeeding is Best?
Breast milk is certainly the healthiest food for the newborn. It is the best and safest meal your child can get. Here are a few reasons why breastfeeding is recommended exclusively for the first 6 months:
Breast milk is nutrient-rich and provides a well-balanced diet for your baby’s needs.
It consists of dozens of essential vitamins and minerals, multiple important hormones, and immunity boosting substances that are lacking in supplementary feeds or formula milk.
Breastfeeding a newborn also has certain beneficial effects on the neurological development of the baby.
Exclusive breastfeeding also protects the baby from various illnesses in early life, including respiratory infections like pneumonia and gastric diseases like enteritis.
Breastfeeding can be beneficial to the mother and help her lose postpartum weight. It may also help in lowering the risk of various cancers like breast cancer and cervical cancer.
When to Start Breastfeeding?
You should start breastfeeding as soon as the baby is born, as the milk or colostrum that you produce during the first time of breastfeeding, in the first hour after giving birth, is rich in nutrients. The baby is naturally inclined to suck well in the initial hours of life and hence early feeding has a positive impact. It helps develop a good feeding relation between mother and the baby. It is a good idea to keep your baby in close skin contact, as often as possible after birth. Babies tend to exhibit actions like sucking, rooting and searching the nipple when they are laid close to the breast. When the baby has nursed a couple of times, she will learn to demand milk more often. Normal active babies will need to be fed almost hourly, including at midnight and dusk. Once your babies hunger is satisfied, she will be less irritable and will sleep soundly.
Preparation for Breastfeeding
Before starting to feed it is important that both you and the baby are in a comfortable position. There are several positions to choose from, and your nurse or health care provider is sure to help you pick one which suits you best. A comfortable position is one in which you can stay for some time. You should also be able to make eye contact with the baby while she nurses
Here are a few of the most common breastfeeding positions
Laid-back breastfeeding: This permits you to recline so that the baby rests upon your torso.
The Cradle Hold: You may also prefer the cradle hold, wherein you hold the baby against your chest.
The side lying technique: This suits women whose breasts are large in size.
It is important to keep an eye on the baby as she feeds and ensure she sucks as much of the areolar tissue as possible.
How To Start Breastfeeding A Newborn
A good understanding of how to breastfeed a baby makes the job easier.
Hold your baby close to you so that the baby is facing your breasts. Touch your nipple to her upper lip and as soon as she opens the mouth, pull her onto the breast. Make sure the baby’s mouth covers most of the darker areola surrounding the nipple.
Once feeding is initiated, make sure it is not too painful. Pay attention to any tenderness after the feeds. If the baby is properly latched, a maximum part of the areola will be in the baby’s mouth and your nipples will feel the sucking.
If it hurts when the baby latches, interrupt the feeding process by sliding a finger between the mouth and the breast, detaching the baby. Once comfortable and rightly positioned, you may begin the feeding again.
Comfortable Positions For Breastfeeding
You can try out different breastfeeding positions to find one that suits your needs. Here are a few that you could consider:
1. Cradle Holding Technique
This is a common position that’s comfortable for babies who have good neck control.
Position your baby on your lap with your tummies against each other and your elbow supporting its head
The position should be such that the baby’s mouth stays near your breast and the arm fits in your underarm.
Support your breast with your other hand with your thumb on the areola. Your fingers will lie beneath your breast.
Gently let your breast touch the baby’s lower lip. Baby will open its mouth in response and try to hold the nipple by rooting.
Support the baby over your body and permit it to latch on
Laid back feeding, is one variation in which the mother lies reclines with her baby on the torso facing the breast. The baby might take some time to learn and latch onto the breast.
2. Cradle Cross Holding Technique
This is also called the crossover hold, wherein the mother can support the baby with one of her hands.
Hold your baby with your arm supporting her neck
Bring her mouth close to your breast such that the arm doesn’t come in the way
Use your hands vice versa as explained in the previous position.
Support your breast with the free hand with your fingers placed under the breast tissue, your thumb will be on the areola.
Gently let your breast touch the baby’s lower lip.
Baby will open her mouth in response and try to hold the nipple by rooting.
Support the baby over your body and permit it to latch on.
Instead of leaning over, pull the baby over your body
3. Football Holding Technique
This is advisable for mothers who have had a Caesarean-section or those who have large breasts. It is also recommended for feeding premature babies.
Place the baby such that your arm lies over its torso and let your hand support the baby’s neck.
Pull the baby close to your breast and allow it to latch. Now support the baby’s head while her nose and chin touch the breast.
Once latched and feeding, ensure that the baby’s shoulders are relaxed.
4. Modified Football Holding Technique for Twins
Mothers of twins can feed them either separately or at the same time. In the latter case, you may choose this position to allow your babies to latch onto each breast.
With partially bent elbows hold one in each arm.
Let your palms support their necks.
Now allow them to attach and start sucking.
5. Side Lay Technique
This position offers comfort to the mother while feeding her newborn. It requires some skill, but once learnt and practiced, it usually is the position of choice for most mothers. It is also suitable for mothers who have had a Caesarean-section.
Lie side by side with your tummies facing each others.
Flexing the upper leg will help you get a comfortable position.
Position the breast with your fingers and assist the baby to latch and start feeding itself.
How Long To Breastfeed A Baby?
Various studies and international guidelines suggest continuous exclusive breastfeeding without offering water, food supplements, fruit juices, dairy, or food for the initial six months of age. Extended breastfeeding up to a period of twelve months has also been safe and recommended.
How To Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?
The first feed after birth usually contains colostrum instead of milk, which is a watery yellow fluid rich in antibodies that boost the baby’s immunity. It is followed by milk in a few days of regular feeding. A common concern is whether the baby is being adequately fed or not. If you are feeding her on demand and if she's passing timely urine and about 7-8 stools/day which are yellow and semi solid, be assured that she is well-fed.
However, if the baby shows the following signs, you should consult your paediatrician:
Baby feeds for just ten minutes or less
You notice lethargy and frequent fussiness in the baby
Yellowish discoloration of the skin
Dark or greasy stools
How Many Times Should you Nurse your Baby?
There is no fixed newborn breastfeeding schedule, but usually a healthy baby feeds eight or more times a day. It is a good practice to feed whenever your baby demands. Overfeeding can be harmful and should be avoided.
A baby that’s hungry, will usually be restless, cry excessively, and suck his finger or thumb, or exhibit rooting. These signs are actually important breastfeeding tips for a new born baby which can help you know when your baby needs to be fed.
Breastfeeding After a C-Section
Breastfeeding need not be affected by a Caesarean-section. Although the physical stress of surgery and medications administered might hamper your nursing care, it is advisable that you begin frequent feeding after a few hours of birth, roughly six to twelve hours. Once begun, milk letdown will ensue and feeding shouldn’t be a problem. You can take help from your partner to position your baby. Cradle holding, side-lay technique or the football holding positions can be chosen for comfort.
1. What Food Should Breastfeeding Mothers Should Eat?
A breastfeeding mother requires nothing special but a well balanced diet that includes:
Starch items, bread, rice and potato
Prefer whole wheat products for added fibre and extra nutrients
Dairy products like, milk and yogurts
Protein rich foods like, meat, eggs and fishes
Fresh fruits and clean vegetables
Adequate intake of water and fluids
Under all circumstances, a breastfeeding mother should refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption.
What To Buy For Breastfeeding?
Nursing bras are advisable, as they support your breasts well. With zips and hooks it becomes comfortable for frequent feeding. Ensure you use well fitted bras with completely opening flaps. In cases the breast is inadequately exposed or the pads are pressing on the breast it may block the ducts causing mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue).
Your breasts may leak due to oxytocin response. Carry reusable breast pads when travelling, to keep yourself dry and comfortable. Night wear light bras are also available. A breast pump can be helpful in cases where expressed milk is required.
Problems You May Face While Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding can be difficult in the following circumstances:
You may develop a breast infection(mastitis) or plugged ducts.
Improper ‘latching on’ of the baby.
Breast engorgement or painful nipples, especially in the initial weeks. Remember breastfeeding should be painless.
The baby is days to weeks old but does not require 7-8 diapers a day.
The baby is drowsy or excessively lethargic, feeding only less than 8 times a day.
Medical conditions like, prematurity, failure to thrive, pathological jaundice, congenital defects like cleft palate or lip, or neuro-developmental problems.
With proper help and support from your doctor, these problems can be resolved and help you continue breastfeeding for your baby’s good health.
Breastfeeding is an essential art for a new mother. With patience, practice and awareness, feeding your baby can be accomplished in a hassle free way. Once you get used to it, you will find that breast milk is the best thing a mother can give her newborn baby, since it ensures the pink of health. Read more
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7 Ways I Love to Mess With you Mamma!
Raising babies through their wonder years is one of the most beautiful experiences in the life of a mother. But, these young pranksters can make life difficult too! There are many ways babies mess around and this is why moms get nothing done on time, try hard as they do!
Babies are little bundles of joy but they can be big troublemakers as well. They have an uncanny ability to screw up things and create a mess at the most inconvenient of moments. If you’re a mom with a little baby, you’ll probably agree with how they just love to get on your nerves!
The Craziest Things Babies Do to Mess with Their Moms
1. Leaving the three P’s for the last minute!
A common baby situation tends to happen when mommy is right out of the shower and half ready for a dinner date. Your baby decides to poo or pee her diaper, or worse, puke over your expensive outfit. Oops!
2. Waking up cranky just when you’re about to eat
Every mom can understand the frustration of not getting to sit at the dining table for her meals. It seems that babies choose these precious moments to wake up from their naps as soon as you have the table laid and ready to dig in.
3. Forcing you to redo your hairdo
Another mom and baby mess comes on the day you get your hair done at the salon for an evening party. There you are, cuddling and giggling with your baby when you suddenly get spittle on your tresses or better yet, your angel decides to grab a chunk of it and pull it hard!
4. Deciding to dirty all the diapers you carry
It’s simply incredible to think about the innovative ways babies mess with their moms. You take him for an outing and pack three spare diapers. Lo and behold! He soils them one after the other until you have to head back home, with a grumpy daddy in tow.
5. Sleeping at the crack of dawn
Then there are those sleepless nights when you have to stay awake till early morning trying every remedy you know of to console your howling baby. Suddenly, she dozes off at the first light of day, leaving you bleary-eyed to face the long hours ahead.
6. Getting up every couple of hours
Another way how babies like to mess with moms is to wake up every two hours and keep you up too. Even if they end up sleeping soundly, you’re left unable to catch enough sleep because you’re up checking to see if everything’s okay.
7. She’s asleep…no, she’s not!
Only a mommy can realise how hard it can be when your baby dozes off for exactly five minutes in the afternoon, giving you the impression that she’ll be asleep for the next two hours. But, she’s awake again and it takes another half an hour trying to get her to doze off.
The worst (or best) part is seeing the expression on your baby’s face that says he loves doing it. Maybe that’s why no matter how frazzled you feel, you just can’t help but love your little angel! Read more
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How to Overcome Self Doubt - Follow These Easy Tips to Boost Your Confidence
Every one of us goes through a time when they doubt themselves or question every decision they make. No phase in our life is without a tinge of self-doubt. It creeps into the little things in one’s life and makes us hold on to heavy and unnecessary baggage that you could easily do without. You cling on to sad memorabilia, dead-end jobs, and energy-sapping relationships because you fear that you cannot do better than this. If left unchecked, this doubt could take over your entire life and have you doing the bidding of everyone else because you don’t believe in yourself. Before you know it you have become a miserable and hollow shell that is living somebody else’s life. Understand how and why self-doubt affects a person and what you can do to overcome this.
Why and How Self-Doubt Keeps You Stuck?
There are a plethora of reasons why self-doubt creeps into your life. Past mistakes, your environment and upbringing, constant comparisons with others, or a fear of failure could amount to one doubting themselves at every step. Being told that you are good at nothing or being called ‘slow’, ‘dunce’ etc. as a child could shroud your confidence levels and set you up for failure from a very young age.
Self-doubt can be limiting and self-belittling in many ways. It compels you to believe that intelligence is a trait that is fixed and that you cannot do anything to change that. This coupled with fear of underperforming can lead to you refusing new responsibilities, downplaying large achievements, or even telling yourself that you are not good enough for the job. You start attributing any success to external factors like a good boss, or an excellent teacher rather than credit yourself with the win. This is known as the imposter syndrome were successful and deserving people have felt that they do not deserve their accolades. Over time this can lead to a toxic feeling of reduced self-worth and creates a cycle of poor performance and further failure.
Tips to Deal with Self-Doubt and Trust Yourself Again
Health and wellness require a stress-free mind. It is important to break the cycle of self-doubt and failure and nurture positive thoughts for a healthy and well-balanced life. Here are a few things that you could do to overcome self-doubt.
1. Stop Constant Comparisons
Do not constantly compare yourself with the people around you. When you look at the accomplishments of a colleague or a friend and aren’t quite there yet, you start to feel inadequate. Someone will always have something better than you. Better cars, bigger houses, higher scores, leaner figures, more well-behaved children, countless medals, quicker promotions, or fancier vacations. But remember that we each have our own journey and everything has its own time to fall into place. Also remember that there are scores of less fortunate people out there whose lives may never change.
2. Take Action and Monitor Progress Along the Way
That seed of self-doubt will blossom if you let your ideas and thoughts fester. Convert your plan into action and make sure that you chart your progress along the way. If you hit a snag, find a way around and continue on your path until you have reached your goal. Do not let your mind play the devil’s advocate by pondering over and rethinking every idea. ‘What if’ will always remain a plan if you don’t implement it. Also remember that if you are waiting for yourself to change before taking action, then you should remember the adage- tomorrow never comes.
3. Remind Yourself of Past Successes
Psychologists believe that focusing on past wins can boost your confidence and improve how you feel in the present. When you focus on past successes, it is important to remember the positive. If you dwell on negative feelings that you had during that success, you will be bound to fail in your current endeavour. Don’t always pass off credit for a win to external factors or the environment. Take pride in having persevered to succeed and recall the joy of succeeding.
4. Remember That What is Holding You Back Lives Inside Your Head
Fear is important because it prevents us from being over-confident and allows us to learn new things. But crippling self-doubt at work or fear of attempting something new can only hold you back and prevent you from ever discovering vast new possibilities. Acknowledge the fear but remind yourself that you can, and you will do what needs to be done. People achieve great things when they move past their fears.
5. Stay Positive and Choose to Be Surrounded by Positive
Surround yourself with believers. Talk to family and friends who always share positive reinforcement. This will help you remember that you are worth it and that you will do your best no matter the outcome. Think positive thoughts and talk positive words which bolster your confidence and your self-image.
6. Forgive Yourself for Your Perceived Failures
Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves for what we presume to be our failures. We beat ourselves down and don’t give ourselves another chance lest we fail again. Be brave enough to attempt once more what you didn’t succeed at. Be strong enough to accept that somethings can take more than just a single valiant attempt to crack. There are times when you are so close to success when you give up, but you wouldn’t know because you didn’t try again.
7. Meditate to Calm Your Mind
Meditation is a powerful tool that helps channelise your inner and outer energies. It can align the sub-conscious with what the conscious mind wants and help your body to be aligned to achieving it too. Use videos and podcasts specifically made for self-doubt meditation purposes to guide you until you can do it on your own.
8. Use Body language to Your Advantage
Thoughts, feelings and behaviours are deeply connected. If you slouch and frown, reading happy news could also be off-putting, and you will feel negative. Likewise, if you have a positive feeling, then the thoughts that accompany will be strong and healthy, and so will the consequent action or behaviour. So stand tall, straighten your shoulders and put those hands on your hips and say, I can do this.
9. Remember Each Adversity That You Lived through Successfully
Talk to yourself about all your lowest points in life and how you managed to sail through them. Remind yourself that you are a survivor and that you have managed to get past severe adversities to make it up to now and you will surely power through anything else that life throws at you.
10. Have a Learning Mindset
It is easy to have a mindset that is put off easily. It is much easier to give in that stay strong and fight. Remember, however, that if you switch to a learning mindset, then you will take feedback from every fall, not failure. You will give yourself credit for trying, working hard, and being in the game.
11. Reframe Your Confidence
Doubt is good, because it helps you ask the right questions and arrive at answers. Suspicion about your abilities is bad because it leads to sickness. Doubt yourself a little, but attempt everything anyway. Let not your self-doubt anxiety take away your confidence and charisma.
12. Read and Watch Powerful and Positive Material
Inspire yourself with success stories of common people. Surround yourself with books and videos that tell tales of ordinary people who achieved extraordinary feats. Such material can give you a positive boost and get your adrenaline rushing to conquer your fears.
It is easy to create a self-imposed prison through fear and lack of confidence. What is tough is, breaking out of your shackles and reaching for the stars. You may fall in the process, but dust the mud off and fly again.
Also Read:
How to Develop a Positive Attitude
Simple Ways to Love Yourself
Ways to Forgive Yourself and Move Ahead Read more
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ESPOSO - It's a fun blog I hope everyone enjoys it
Are you confused looking at my title? Any guesses about it? Oh well, let me make it more simple, my title relates to species found readily in every home. Some are egoistic some calm, some are neutral some harsh. Esposo is a Spanish word of husband, hubby, Patidev in more precise language.
A husband is a man found in every house, a species of it's kind. As animals are of various categories, this species also comes in variant colours and categories. Some are cute, some horrifying, some are calm others are atrocious. Every other husband is different from his fellow mates.
Let us discuss the variants of this species:
1)The Dominator: As the name suggests, this species is very dominating. You all have heard terminator, he is cute, dominators are the opposite. All the egoistic males come in this category. They don't let the other gender cuties to live peacefully. They have to dominate in every petty thing. I pity the angels caged with these ones. There is no treatment for them. They think to be right always but they are wrong. Don't argue with them, they can't take it when it comes to their ego. Leave them as they are.
2)Mamas boy: The species in this category are cute but dependent on mom. From childhood, they are raised by a dominating mom and so the result. They won't argue, not retaliate but in every decision of the couple will include his mom in every decision, for eg, What to cook in lunch? ask mom, What will you wear? ask mom, Want to go out honey, his reply, ask mom. I am in the mood to make out, ask mom.Arghhh.So you come to know this species though cute but can get on your nerves.
3)The interferer: In this type, the husband has to interfere in everything pertaining to you. There is always interference in each and every work you do, from your market shopping to buying your stuff, there is a hundred per cent of interference. This kind of species may lead you to kill him a thousand times in your mind.
4)THE NYMPHOMANIAC: The qualities of this species as the name suggests, is sex, sex and only sex on his mind.A porn addict in simple terms. From morning to evening to at last night he wants to be banged several times. I pity his wife rather poor girl, anyways a thorough counselling is required in such cases, so ladies beware. You can always say a No as said by Mr Amitabh Bachan sir in the movie Pink.
5)The procrastinator: This category species will always delay the work. Shopping is delayed, movie time is delayed, lovey-dovey moments is delayed etc etc.The only solution for the problem is a rolling pin (a handy device found in the kitchen to make Rotis), whenever there is a delay in your programme series just bang his head with one.
6) The lazy bones: This kind of species are also called as potato couch. They don't do their work on their own but need someone to do that, and poor wives become the sufferers. Even for a glass of water, they need help. There is no treatment for such species, they are not improving anyways.
7)The Nagging Kind: They constantly nag the other gender on petty things. Most of them are jealous of their soul mates. They don't leave any situation without lowering the self-esteem of his wife. The only treatment is to talk and solve it out. (But they hardly improve)
8) Mr Perfectionist: These species suffer from a psychological disorder to be perfect in everything and expects the same from the other person. The only solution is to leave them as they are, without complaining about your peace of mind.
Here, are some of the categories of husbands according to my research. If you come across any other type please do share with me.
This write up is just a fun gag, just for laughs and nothing else.No, I don't have any grudges on my husband or any male gender.
Hope you liked reading my research, do share which species you own at your home. Do support with love and encouragement, so that I can write more such stuff (next is a mother in laws I guess). Criticism is always welcomed with a smile Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
10 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
8 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
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