Latest news with #emotionalresilience
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Child Psychologists Say These 9 Phrases Are Doing More Harm Than Good—Even if You Mean Well
Child Psychologists Say These 9 Phrases Are Doing More Harm Than Good—Even if You Mean Well originally appeared on Parade. It's natural as a parent to want to build your child's confidence and help them grow. But sometimes, your well-meaning words and actions might actually be hindering their growth instead of helping it. Some common phrases are surprisingly seen as red flags by child psychologists, and if you're using them, it might be time for a pivot. According to them, there are out there doing a lot —even if you mean well. "Sometimes, the words we use or how quickly we jump in to help can actually get in the way of their growth," says , a licensed psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. "The good news is that a few simple shifts in how we talk and respond can make a big difference in helping kids build confidence, problem-solving skills and emotional resilience."The language you use always plays a big role in your child's development, but actions are equally important to consider. "Parents and caregivers should try to avoid language and actions that may unintentionally discourage their child from trying new things, working hard or taking their time to figure out how to do something [themselves]," she adds. Moments of struggle and learning to do things on your own are key for a developing child. She explains that it helps develop motor skills and helps a child build self-efficacy and a belief in their own capabilities (more on that later).Dr. Keough and, a principal research scientist and licensed developmental psychologist, tell Parade the kinds of phrases and behaviors that can inadvertently harm your child's 9 Phrases That Do More Harm Than Good, According to Child Psychologists 1. "Don't worry about that, it's not a big deal." Although you might mean well with this statement, it actually comes off as emotionally invalidating. "Dismissing a child's feelings and moving on shuts down an important opportunity to support them and help reduce their fear of failure," Dr. Young explains. "It also may create the idea in the child's mind that they don't have the right to feel the way that they do. 2. "What could you do differently next time?" You can unknowingly put pressure on your child and set unrealistic expectations by saying this. According to Dr. Young, this seems constructive, but if it's not followed by a collaborative plan, it can increase anxiety about making mistakes."Instead, validate their feelings first," she says. "Then ask, 'What could you do differently?' and follow up with something like (as an example), 'That's a good idea—you could practice kicking the ball more. How about we practice together in the backyard after dinner?'"She explains that this provides both an action plan and collaborative support, helping children feel less alone and more confident moving 3. "You're so smart!" Both Dr. Young and Dr. Keough agree that this phrase can do more harm than good. On the surface, it sounds positive. But they both say it can unintentionally reinforce a fixed mindset—the belief that intelligence is innate and unchangeable."Studies show that children who have been praised more for their intelligence tend to avoid things that make them feel 'not smart,' like challenging or new tasks, and they give up more quickly when they don't succeed," Dr. Keough explains. "Instead of telling a child how smart, gifted or talented they are, adults can support a child's development by using effort-based praise."Instead, she recommends trying phrases like, "Great job working so hard to put that puzzle together!" or "I love seeing you put in the hard work to memorize your spelling words. You earned that grade!" This helps children develop a growth mindset, which reiterates that effort matters and abilities can grow over time. Dr. Young adds that this also encourages persistence. 4. "You don't have to try if you're scared or nervous." It's natural to want to protect your kids, but there's a difference between protecting and sheltering. Some kids might be hesitant to try new things that are safe and fun, like a sports team or a hobby, and it can hurt their growth if you encourage them to stay too far in their comfort zone."Telling a child they don't need to try something if they feel scared makes everyone feel better in the moment, but this can create a pattern of avoidance that makes children more anxious in the long run," shares Dr. Keough. "It also sends an unintentional message to your child: 'I agree that you can't handle this.'"Instead, she recommends giving kids the chance to practice moving through difficult situations. Parents can support healthy development by helping their children face their fears and build up their "bravery muscles." "Ideally in small, gradual steps with lots of encouragement," she adds. 5. "Don't be worried/sad/angry. This isn't a big deal." According to Dr. Keough, when children are at a young, impressionable age, they don't have a lot of control over their emotions yet. It's easy to dismiss emotions if they seem over the top to you, but this can actually do more harm in the long run."Telling a child how they should (or shouldn't) feel can hurt a child's emotional development if it happens a lot," she explains. "It can also backfire and lead to further emotional disregulation."Instead, parents can communicate that they understand and accept what their child is feeling by using phrases like, "I get it. You're feeling disappointed that you can't have a playdate today." This supports healthy emotional development and helps a child feel 6. "Let me do that for you. I can do it more quickly and easily." While it's sometimes faster to do things for your child instead of letting them do things themselves, you'll want to be careful of how often you do this."We want to be careful not to swoop in every time or send the message that doing things well means doing them fast or without difficulty," Dr. Keough shares. "Whenever you can, let your child try things on their own, even if it takes longer or gets messy."Whether they're pouring their own water or zipping up a jacket, she says these "I did it myself" moments are powerful. They help build motor skills, confidence and perseverance. "And don't forget to praise the effort they put in, not just the outcome," she adds. 7. "Your brother/sister always..." While this might seem like a statement that motivates a child to behave better, Dr. Keough says that comparing your children can harm a child's social and emotional development."Rather than motivating your child, [it] can lead to jealousy, competitiveness and shame," she says. "Over time, this can negatively impact a child's self-esteem and create sibling rivalry."As an alternative, she suggests focusing on your child's individual goals. Using things like chore charts or visual reminders to help them stay on track and celebrate their wins. This way, no comparisons are 8. "Practice makes perfect." Attaching the word "perfect" to anything a child does isn't necessarily supportive of their growth. Dr. Young says that perfection isn't realistic and can create an impossible standard for your child to meet."Try: 'Practice makes progress,'" she says. "This reframes effort as a path to improvement, not an impossible ideal." 9. [Saying nothing.] Dr. Young states that what you don't say can also have a negative impact on a child's development."For example, during a conversation, your child might say they were upset at school," she explains. "If you don't acknowledge their emotions—or change the subject to avoid upsetting them further—it can have the opposite effect of what you intended."She also shares that research suggests that when parents ask things like, "How were you feeling when that happened?' and validate the response with "It's okay to feel upset" (without judgment), it shows the child it's normal to express emotions. "It also communicates that their problems matter—because they matter to them," she further Next:Sources: Dr. Jessica Young, PhD, is a principal research scientist and licensed developmental psychologist. Dr. Kathryn Keough, PhD, is a licensed psychologist at the Child Mind Institute Child Psychologists Say These 9 Phrases Are Doing More Harm Than Good—Even if You Mean Well first appeared on Parade on Jul 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 Things Adult Children Of Toxic Parents Still Struggle To Say
Navigating adulthood with the shadow of a toxic upbringing is challenging. If you had toxic parents, you might find yourself struggling with certain expressions that seem second nature to others. Being able to articulate these feelings can be difficult, but recognizing them is the first step toward healing. Here's a list of things you might find hard to say, even if you're trying to live your own life. 1. "I'm Proud Of Myself" Expressing pride in yourself can seem foreign if you weren't encouraged to celebrate your achievements growing up. Toxic parents might have withheld praise or undercut your successes, leaving you uncertain about your accomplishments. As an adult, this can make acknowledging your achievements difficult, even when they're significant. According to a study by Dr. Kristin Neff, self-compassion, including recognizing one's achievements, contributes to emotional resilience. Learning to take pride in your efforts is a crucial component of self-acceptance. Recognizing your accomplishments involves more than just accepting praise from others. It's about giving yourself credit and acknowledging the hard work you've put in. When you openly express pride in your achievements, you reinforce positive self-worth. This practice can boost your confidence and motivate you to pursue new challenges. Remember, being proud of yourself isn't arrogance—it's an appreciation for your journey and growth. 2. "I'm Afraid That's A Hard No" Saying no can be a monumental challenge for those with toxic parents. If you grew up in an environment where your "no" was often overridden or ignored, asserting your boundaries can feel impossible. This difficulty can leave you vulnerable to exploitation and neglect of your own needs. Therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab emphasizes that learning to say no is a vital skill for maintaining healthy boundaries and self-care. Practicing this simple yet powerful word can significantly enhance your quality of life. Learning to say no involves recognizing your limits and valuing your time and energy. You might worry about disappointing others or facing backlash, but saying no allows you to prioritize your well-being. It sends a clear message about your boundaries and expectations, fostering respect in your relationships. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to assert your needs without guilt. Embrace the power of no as a tool for self-empowerment and authenticity. 3. "I Need Space" Requesting space can be tough if your boundaries were never respected growing up. Toxic parents might have invaded your privacy or dismissed your need for independence, leaving you ill-equipped to assert this as an adult. The fear of being perceived as selfish or ungrateful can make it hard to ask for time alone. Understanding that needing space is a natural part of maintaining your mental health is crucial. It's about recharging and nurturing your relationship with yourself. Communicating your need for space involves setting clear boundaries and explaining why it's important for you. This might mean taking a break from social activities, dedicating time to a hobby, or simply enjoying solitude. When you prioritize your need for space, you model self-care and encourage others to respect your boundaries. Remember, needing space doesn't mean you don't value your relationships; it means you value yourself. By carving out time for yourself, you return to your relationships more present and engaged. 4. "I Need Help" Admitting you need help can feel daunting, especially if you've been conditioned to see vulnerability as a weakness. Toxic parents often dismiss or belittle your struggles, leaving you wary of seeking assistance from others. This burden can make even the simplest call for help feel like an insurmountable challenge. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Susan Heitler, growing up with such parents can make you feel like you have to manage everything alone, leading to an unhealthy level of self-reliance. Accepting that seeking help is not just okay but necessary can be a big step toward recovery. This reluctance to ask for help often intertwines with trust issues. You might wonder if anyone is truly willing to support you or if you'll be left to fend for yourself. When you finally do ask for help, it can feel like a monumental act of courage. Over time, learning to trust others and ask for support becomes an invaluable skill. Remember, it's human nature to need others, and allowing yourself this grace can be transformative. 5. "I Deserve Respect" Growing up with toxic parents often means that respect was a one-way street. You might have been taught, explicitly or implicitly, that your feelings and boundaries were less important than those of others. This conditioning can leave you struggling to assert your needs and demand respect in relationships as an adult. You may catch yourself downplaying your worth or accepting disrespect as a norm. Recognizing you deserve respect is essential for cultivating healthy interactions. Respect is a two-way street that requires you to understand your own worth. When you acknowledge your right to be treated well, you open the door to healthier relationships. This realization empowers you to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being. It's not about demanding undue reverence but about acknowledging that your feelings and needs matter. By expecting respect, you teach others how to treat you and contribute to more balanced connections. 6. "I'm Sorry" Apologizing can be a minefield if your parents used it as a tool for manipulation. Toxic parents might have made you apologize constantly, even when you did nothing wrong, or they might never have modeled sincere apologies themselves. As an adult, this can leave you unsure of when and how to say you're sorry. Psychologist Dr. Mark Sichel highlights that children of such parents may struggle with apologies because of this skewed understanding. Learning to apologize genuinely and recognize the appropriate times to do so is a crucial social skill. Struggling with apologies often means you're wrestling with guilt and accountability. You may over-apologize, instinctively taking blame for situations beyond your control. Alternatively, you might resist apologizing altogether, fearing that it signifies a loss of power or autonomy. As you practice healthy apologies, you'll find a balance, understanding that saying sorry is an opportunity for growth and not a surrender. Apologizing with sincerity can enhance your relationships and promote mutual understanding. 7. "I Forgive You" Forgiveness can be a complex, emotionally charged subject, especially when dealing with toxic parents. You might feel pressure to forgive and forget, even when deep wounds remain unhealed. Forgiving someone who hurt you deeply can feel like condoning their behavior, which is far from the truth. Forgiveness is more about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and allowing space for healing. It doesn't mean you have to reconcile or maintain a relationship with those who've hurt you. The process of forgiveness is personal and can take time. It begins with acknowledging your pain and allowing yourself to feel anger and sadness. As you work through these emotions, you can gradually reach a place where forgiveness becomes a possibility. It's important to remember that forgiveness is for you, not the other person. By letting go of grievances, you create room for personal growth and peace. 8. "I Trust You" Trusting others can be a significant hurdle if your parents were unreliable or deceitful. You might have grown up constantly second-guessing people's intentions, leading to a general wariness of others. As an adult, this can manifest as difficulty forming close relationships or constantly expecting betrayal. Rebuilding trust requires discernment and courage. It's about learning to evaluate who deserves your trust and gradually letting your guard down. Opening yourself up to trust is a gradual process that involves vulnerability. You may hesitate to rely on others, fearing disappointment or rejection. However, allowing yourself to trust can lead to fulfilling relationships and a supportive network. Building trust begins with small steps, like sharing a thought or relying on someone for minor assistance. As your confidence in others grows, so does your capacity for deeper connections. 9. "I Love You" Saying 'I love you' might not come easily if emotional expressions were weaponized in your childhood home. You might associate love with manipulation or feel that expressing it makes you vulnerable. As an adult, this can hinder your ability to form intimate bonds, leaving you feeling isolated. Learning to express love openly and sincerely is a crucial step toward emotional freedom. It's about breaking through walls built by fear and embracing the warmth that connection brings. Expressing love involves acknowledging both your feelings and the recipient's importance in your life. Challenging as it may be, telling someone you love them deepens your relationship and fosters mutual understanding. You might start by practicing small acts of affection or gratitude, gradually working up to verbal expressions. Embracing love in all its forms enables personal growth and strengthens your emotional resilience. Letting love in, and sharing it freely, enriches your life and the lives of those around you. 10. "I'm Not Okay" Admitting you're not okay can be difficult if you were taught to hide your emotions. Toxic parents might have dismissed your feelings or punished vulnerability, leaving you reluctant to show when you're struggling. Acknowledging your struggles as an adult can feel risky, as though you're exposing a weakness. But recognizing when you're not okay is a crucial part of self-awareness and mental health. It allows you to seek support and begin the process of healing. When you admit you're not okay, you give yourself permission to take the necessary steps toward recovery. This might involve talking to a friend, seeking therapy, or simply taking a break. Acknowledging your struggles isn't a sign of failure; it's an act of courage and honesty. By confronting your feelings, you create an opportunity for growth and understanding. Remember, everyone has moments of difficulty, and it's okay to ask for help. 11. "I Forgive Myself" Forgiving yourself can be one of the hardest things to do, especially if you grew up in an environment that thrived on blame. Toxic parents might have constantly blamed you for their problems or yours, leaving you feeling guilty for things beyond your control. This can create a cycle of self-reproach that's challenging to break. Self-forgiveness involves acknowledging your mistakes and understanding that you're human. It's a powerful step in reclaiming your narrative and fostering inner peace. Practicing self-forgiveness allows you to let go of past mistakes and embrace personal growth. It involves recognizing that no one is perfect, and everyone makes errors. By forgiving yourself, you release the burden of guilt and create room for improvement. This practice encourages self-compassion and resilience, enabling you to move forward with confidence. Accept that forgiving yourself is a journey, not a destination. 12. "I Am Worthy Of Happiness" Feeling worthy can be challenging when your parents constantly undermine your self-esteem. You might have been given the message, intentionally or not, that you're only as valuable as your last achievement or mistake. As an adult, this can manifest as a persistent feeling of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. You might find yourself in a cycle of seeking validation through accomplishments, never truly believing in your inherent worth. Breaking free from this mindset involves recognizing your worth is intrinsic and not contingent on external factors. Embracing your worthiness requires self-acceptance and compassion. This journey involves challenging the negative narratives instilled in you and rewriting them with affirmations of your value. As you internalize this belief, you'll notice a shift in how you approach challenges and relationships. Recognizing your worth allows you to pursue goals genuinely aligned with your values, rather than seeking approval. Embrace the idea that you are enough, just as you are, regardless of external validation. 13. "I'm Scared" Admitting fear can be challenging if vulnerability was seen as weakness in your childhood. Toxic parents might have dismissed your fears or used them against you, leading you to suppress these emotions. As an adult, acknowledging fear can feel like you're exposing a chink in your armor. But expressing fear is a sign of strength and self-awareness. It allows you to address the root causes and seek solutions, fostering resilience and growth. When you admit to being scared, you open the door to understanding and support. This admission encourages you to confront your fears and explore ways to overcome them. By sharing your fears with others, you build trust and connection, knowing you're not alone. Over time, addressing your fears can lead to greater confidence and empowerment. Remember, courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it head-on. 14. "I Need To Talk" Initiating a serious conversation can be intimidating, especially if your parents dismissed or trivialized your concerns. You might have been taught that speaking up would lead to conflict or punishment, making it hard to voice your thoughts as an adult. However, expressing the need to talk is key to resolving misunderstandings and fostering healthy communication. It's about being open and honest so that you can address issues together. This transparency can strengthen your relationships and lead to mutual growth. When you say you need to talk, you prioritize communication and show that you value the relationship. It involves choosing the right time and approach to express your thoughts and emotions clearly. By fostering open dialogue, you create a safe space for honesty and vulnerability. This practice not only deepens your connections but also enhances your emotional intelligence. Remember, meaningful conversations are the foundation of understanding and trust. 15. "I Need Support" Asking for support can feel daunting if you've been accustomed to handling everything alone. Toxic parents might have instilled the belief that seeking support is a sign of weakness or inadequacy. As a result, you might struggle to reach out even when you need help the most. However, acknowledging your need for support is a vital part of self-care and personal growth. It's about recognizing that you don't have to navigate challenges by yourself. When you ask for support, you invite others into your journey, allowing them to offer help and understanding. This request can strengthen your relationships by fostering trust and empathy. By accepting support, you cultivate a sense of community and resilience. Remember, needing support doesn't imply incapability; it signifies that you value your well-being and are willing to seek the resources you need. Embrace the strength that comes from leaning on others and sharing the load. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
12-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Deepak Chopra Talks About How Gaming Can Help Mental Health
Dr. Deepak Chopra recently spoke at the 2025 Games for Change festival in New York City and talked ... More about how more intentional game design could foster better mental and emotional health. (Photo by) Gaming can have way more than a pair of health benefits, especially if it can activate your parasympathetic system. That was one of the big takeaways from my recent conversation with author and mind-body medicine pioneer Deepak Chopra, MD, at the 2025 edition of the annual Games for Change or G4C Festival in New York City. He and Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of The Chopra Foundation, had given a keynote at the festival, talking about how intentional game design and AI-driven tools can foster emotional resilience, empathy, and mental wellness within gaming communities. In fact, they themselves have been getting into the game of gaming with the quest game Deepak Chopra: Meditation Oasis. Chopra Warns About Being In Sympathetic Overdrive You could say that Chopra and Machaiah are sympathetic to what's going on in society right now. 'Many people are in sympathetic overdrive with too much adrenaline,' explained Chopra. 'This weakens the immune system.' Sympathetic overdrive means that your sympathetic nervous system is firing way too often and way too much. And that's not a good thing Your sympathetic nervous system is the part of your autonomic nervous system that's designed to help you deal with dangerous or otherwise stressful situation. So, say a tiger or someone trying to give you a fruitcake as a gift is chasing after you. This is where you could benefit from having your 'fight-or-flight' response activated. Such a response can include firing the nerves that enlarge your pupils to help you see better, increase your heart rate and blood pressure to more get blood and oxygen to your muscles, open up your airways to bring more oxygen into your lungs, trigger your liver to release more glucose to provide more energy and rev up your immune to enact repairs when needed. At the same time, your sympathetic nervous system can suppress less urgent functions that may otherwise distract from your fight or flight and consume needed energy. So your sympathetic response may slow your digestion, keep you from urinating and pooping and hold any sexual excitement at bay. After all, you probably don't want to be eating a pizza, pooping and feeling all hot and bothered while for example your boss is yelling at you. Although your sympathetic system can provide kind of important benefits such as, oh, keeping you alive, it shouldn't be activated and firing all the time. That would be like running the fire alarm and sprinkler system in your building constantly. Over time, things like your immune system and various parts of your body can get worn down and out, leading to damage and malfunctions. This is why a therapist won't typically say, 'You really should be worried about everything all the time.' FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The trouble is so many things in our society these days are potentially activating your sympathetic nervous system each and every moment. The constant stream of advertising. The loud noises at the ballpark and at bars. The politicians and other talking heads telling you repeatedly about how such-and-such people are a threat. The constantly chatter on social media. And your smartphone. Your pay-attention-to-me-all-the-time smartphone. All of these may be keeping you in sympathetic overdrive. Who knows then how much sympathetic overdrive may be contributing to many of the mind and body ailments that are pervasive in society these days. I've already written in Forbes about how the U.S. and other countries are steeped in mental health crises. Machaiah quoted the World Health Organization statistic that every 40 seconds someone dies from suicide and emphasized, 'There are not enough therapists to deal with all the mental health issues.' All of this may be contributing further to the rising social divisiveness and physical ailments such as obesity seen in the U.S. and other countries. Chopra Suggests Activating Your Parasympathetic System More You do have a natural counter to your sympathetic nervous system. And that's your parasympathetic nervous system, which is another part of your autonomic nervous system that serves the 'rest and digest' or 'feed and breed' functions. It basically does the opposite of what the sympathetic nervous system does. For example, it can activate the nerves to constrict your pupils to reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, stimulate your mouth to provide more saliva, tighten your airway muscles so that your lungs don't have to work as hard to breath while your rest, lower how fast and hard your heart pumps to conserve energy and release insulin to then decrease your blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, your parasympathetic nervous system can focus more on helping you do fun stuff like digest food, pee and poop. Speaking of fun, let's talk about sex. You can thank your parasympathetic system for the erections that your penis gets or when your vagina gets all naturally lubricated, depending of which you happen to have. 'To deal with sympathetic overdrive, you want to activate the parasympathetic nervous system more,' Chopra emphasized. 'You want to keep people more in a parasympathetic state to optimize the endocrine system.' He mentioned different neurotransmitters and hormones that are integrated with these nervous systems such as acetylcholine, cholecystokinin, somatostatin and one that you may have heard lately, glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1, that regulate all sorts of bodily functions including appetite and hunger. Therefore, when the sympathetic versus parasympathetic balance is off, all sorts of things in your mind and body can be adversely affected. Chopra Emphasizes More Interoceptive Awareness How then do you stay more in a parasympathetic state with all this sympathetic activation stuff around you? Chopra spoke of having 'more mindful awareness' and more 'interoceptive awareness.' Interoceptive awareness is perceiving the sensations from within your body like knowing what your mind and body are doing. For example, you are aware of how you are feeling, what your emotions are at the time, how hungry you may be, what your heart rate is doing, how different parts of your body are functioning and when you need to use the bathroom. While you may typically be aware of when you need to use the bathroom since the consequences of not knowing are, shall we say, obvious, you may not be quite as attuned to the other stuff. Chopra pointed out how interoceptive awareness is one of the eight limbs of yoga that were originally laid out by Pantanjali, the first author of yoga. 'The first two limbs are social and emotional intelligence," Chopra explained. "The third is postures, the fourth breathing, the fifth interoceptive awareness, the sixth focused awareness, the seventh meditation and the eight transcendence.' He added that having interoceptive awareness is important because if you can perceive what's happening inside your mind and body, you will then know how to control your mind and body such as the autonomic nervous system. Yoga is just one example of a mindfulness practice that can help achieve interoceptive awareness. Chopra is well known for spending much of his career developing, teaching, writing about and disseminating such practices. Chopra Sees Gaming As An Opportunity To Counter Sympathetic Overdrive Poonacha Machaiah (L), the CEO of The Chopra Foundation, seen here with Dr. Deepak Chopra on October ... More 8, 2024, mentioned the term 'Metaceuticals,' which describes the use of gaming and the metaverse, such as virtual reality, to help achieve well-being. (Photo by Jed Cullen/for Jugad By Foodhak) Gaming could be a game-changer when it comes to disseminating ways for people to achieve more interoceptive awareness and spend more time in the parasympathetic state. 'You can achieve more mindful awareness through imagination,' said Chopra. 'How to activate the parasympathetic nervous system for more homeostasis and optimize neuroendocrine function can be a focus of gaming.' Machaiah spoke of how people can feel more relaxed when in a 'gaming state,' sort of how athletes can feel more relaxed and in a state of flow while playing a a sport, artists while painting, writers while writing and anyone else while they are doing something that they truly enjoy. Of course, a try-to-shoot-as-many-things-as-possible-while-you-dodge-zombie-MMA-fighters game may not necessarily be the best way to activate your parasympathetic system. Chopra distinguished between games that create stress and games that expand the mind. Both Chopra and Machaiah urged the importance of taking the design of a game and making it more conscious. In other words, it can help for game designers to be more deliberate about creating or adapting games so that they can better help people, which is the big focus of the Games for Change or G4C initiative that Susanna Pollack has been leading since 2015 as its President. I've covered previous G4C festivals such as the one in 2023 and talked to Pollack on a number of occasions about the difference between perception and reality when it comes to gaming and the gaming community. Pollack indicated how gaming has had the rather unfair stereotype amongst those not in the know of being 'a waste of time.' G4C and its annual festivals have been working to change that perception. She's pointed out the many positive aspects of gaming and the gaming community such as how the community is 'more open to sharing than many other communities' and in many cases has come together to help each other and others. So with a need for more mental health interventions, gaming could play a major role. One way gaming may have 'meta' such needs and can do more to meet such needs is through what Machaiah called 'Metaceuticals.' He described this as the use of gaming and the metaverse, such as virtual reality, to help achieve well-being. With VR, you can place yourself in tailored surroundings or even a new world that can allow you to relax and more safely explore your feelings and sensations and in turn better understand and control how you feel. Deepak Chopra: Meditation Oasis Is One Example Of Such A Game Chopra has already worked on a game called Deepak Chopra: Meditation Oasis. In fact, he literally works on the game. His voice is part of the game, including its signature cadence and balance. Machaiah described how this can put the gamer in a more relaxed state. He also covered how they 'used other aspects of acoustic design and changed the lights, colors and flicker rate' to help keep users more 'in a parasympathetic state.' The game has users go through different meditaion quests, each of which may last different durations, typically one minute, three minutes or five minutes. 'There's already been over 100,000 quests completed,' said Machaiah. He pointed to the possibility of such games reaching more people quicker than mental health professionals and mindfulness experts can on there own. Gaming Has Tremendous Potential For Further Positive Change Amir Dossal, the President & CEO of the Global Partnerships Forum who was with the United Nations ... More for 25 years, sees gaming as a way to help address the UN's third sustainable development goal: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. (Photo by) All of this is just the tip of the virtual iceberg. Amir Dossal, the founder and president of the Global Partnerships Forum who spent 25 years at the United Nations where he previously led the UN Office for Partnerships, is excited about the possibilities. He sees gaming as a way to help address the UN's third sustainable development goal: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. 'The question is how to bring peace in difficult times,' Dossal said. 'Well, mental health is a precursor.' He went on to say, 'Gaming is the most intimate experience' and talked about how 'games can bring people together to address mental health' as well as the coalitions and working groups that are already trying to do this. 'We've been looking for and working with early adopters who see the value.' Dossal added, 'Gaming is not about a game where the focus is winning or losing. Instead it's about play.' This is a key distinction. Many people out there continue to push the zero-sum game idea that life is about competition and either being a winner or a loser. Or being part of some 'winning group' rather than some other 'losing groups.' That if you don't quickly claim something as yours other people will claim it as theirs. That other people's success is your failure and vice-versa. Well, not being more sympathetic and empathetic to others could leave your sympathetic nervous system further on overdrive. And that may not be a good game to play for you and your health.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Girls who play football REALLY are onto a winner... as 93% say they get confidence from the beautiful game
Teenage girls who play football really are onto a winner. A new study has shown that girls involved in football communities were found to have 'stronger emotional resilience, more positive peer relationships, and a greater sense of self-worth'. The research found a staggering 93 per cent of girls who are part of a football network said the sport gave them more confidence. Those involved in the beautiful game also scored highly in other aspects of their life with 69 per cent saying it had boosted their sense of belonging. Experts said the findings highlight the uplifting power of football on the wellbeing of teenage girls - providing a 'game-changing mental boost' when youngsters need it the most in the face of an online world where they are often exposed to negativity. In contrast, the research found that 44 per cent of girls who do not watch or play football said that social media had affected their confidence while 27 per cent said it had reduced their self esteem. The revelations come as England legend Kelly Smith kicks off a campaign highlighting the benefits of the sport for the younger generation. The initiative has been backed by Lioness star players Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway and Fran Kirby as well as Hayley Lodd, Gemma Evans and Alice Griffiths from the Welsh team ahead of the women's Euro 2025 tournament which gets underway in Switzerland this week. Reigning champions England begin their campaign against France on Saturday evening while Wales' history-making squad, who qualified for their first major tournament finals, take on the Netherlands earlier in the day. The stars teamed up to share their own experiences of being involved in a football community and how it can help young people navigate the complexities of the online world. Mother-of-two Kelly - who scored 46 goals in 117 appearances for the Lionesses - said: 'Football gave me absolutely everything growing up. 'I wasn't a confident or outgoing person off the pitch but as soon as I was playing, I could be myself and show what I could do; it was where I felt most comfortable.' Former Arsenal striker Kelly, 46, added: 'The online world was very different back when I was starting out, but I've seen the pressures social media puts on young people now. 'Being part of a community is so important when it comes to building confidence and the resilience young people need to navigate the world. 'For me, there's no community more powerful than the football family, and I really hope as many girls as possible get to feel a part of that.' The research, carried out as part of the Everyone Needs a Squad campaign, compared two groups of teenage girls aged 13 to 18 - one made up of those engaged in football networks and second group who are not. A total of 4,582 youngsters took part in the survey earlier this month. They were asked the same questions exploring their relationship with social media, their self-perception and their emotional resilience. Researchers found that 66 per cent of girls who are involved in football said they were likely to develop strong emotional resilience compared with 49 per cent of their counterparts. Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of girls who watch or play football were 'well equipped to cope with negative online experiences' while 61 per cent said they are comfortable confiding in friends and family over social media pressure. Leading adolescent psychologist Dr Sheila Redfern carried out the research in partnership with telecoms giant EE, which is the lead partner of all four Home Nations football teams. Dr Redfern said the research produced 'some important and striking results' that shone a light on how being part of the football network can benefit teen girls' wellbeing and promote resilience and good mental health. She said: 'Adolescence is a time of significant developmental change; including neurological, psychological, physical and social changes that shape long-term wellbeing. 'In recent years, we have seen an increased spike in the mental and emotional health problems of adolescent girls which has been exacerbated due to increased exposure to the online world. 'The study clearly shows that being in the football community can improve adolescent girls' self-esteem and confidence at a time in their lives when they are most likely to doubt themselves and compare themselves unfavourably to others.' A new online platform called EE Squad, has been set up to help teenage girls 'explore, build and grow their community around football'. The platform offers routes into local football opportunities, confidence-building content and the personal stories from Home Nations players sharing how football has shaped their confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging - on and off the pitch. Alicia Simai-Kral - who plays for Highbury Wolves Girls and features in the campaign - said: 'Football has always been my escape from the pressure of social media. 'Playing with girls' teams gave me the confidence to be myself, online and offline. 'It's where I've felt supported, not judged and that's made all the difference.' Sharon Tuff, of the Football Association of Wales, said the research echoed highlighted 'the transformative power football' She said: 'Football is more than a game, it's a powerful tool for improving wellbeing and creating a true sense of community. 'We know that the impact of Cymru's historic qualification to UEFA Women's Euro 2025, will be felt far beyond the pitch. 'For young girls across the country, the visibility of our Cymru players and the celebration of their journey is a source of inspiration, proof that they belong in the game and that their voices matter. 'We're proud to work with EE to celebrate the welcoming space football offers, where girls can thrive, whether on the pitch or through life. 'We look forward to the legacy this summer will create for future generations.' Kelly Engstrom, Brand & Demand Generation Director at EE said: 'As lead partner of the Home Nations Football Associations, we recognise the power of the football network and its potential to make the world a better place. 'We know growing up in an online world brings unique challenges and we are passionate about showcasing how this sport can help build young girls' confidence. 'Everyone Needs a Squad' highlights how we are doing more for families by supporting young people's wellbeing and helping them navigate the online world with positivity. 'We hope that this campaign will empower young girls on and off the pitch and inspire them to get involved in the beautiful game.' Last year EE launched age-specific smartphone guidance to help parents navigate healthy tech habits, recommending simpler devices for younger children and promoting gradual, responsible smartphone use as they grow. Alongside this it expanded its PhoneSmart platform to equip both teens and parents with the tools and knowledge to stay safe and confident online.
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO Celebrates Zane Carson Carruth's Feature in Woman's World
ST HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, June 24, 2025 / / -- USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO proudly celebrates Zane Carson Carruth, bestselling children's author, certified etiquette expert, and host of Elegance, Polished Demeanor & Posh Living, for her national feature in Woman's World magazine. The article, 'Author Zane Carson Carruth on Teaching Children Emotional Resilience Through Fairy Wings and Real-World Lessons,' highlights her Abella book series and her mission to inspire kindness, compassion, and emotional strength in children. Woman's World reaches over 1.6 million readers weekly and is recognized for spotlighting uplifting stories of personal growth and empowerment. Read the feature here: Zane is the author of: - The World's First Tooth Fairy… Ever - Abella Goes to the Rodeo - Abella and the Almost Racehorse - Abella Starts a Tooth Fairy School - Abella Gets a New Hairdo! - The Adventures of Abella and Her Magic Wand - Abella and the Haunted House - The World's First Tooth Fairy… Ever: Coloring & Activity Book Her books are available in multiple formats (hardcover, paperback, Kindle and some are available on Audible), through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Zane is currently developing an animated television adaptation of her beloved book series and is actively exploring opportunities with production partners. With a heartwarming original theme song already composed and early creative collaborations underway, she remains committed to ensuring the emotional depth and core values of her stories—empathy, resilience, and kindness—shine through on screen. 'Stories are a powerful way to help children navigate life's ups and downs,' says Carruth. 'Through characters like Abella, we give kids tools to build emotional strength with grace.' In addition to her literary work, Carruth serves as Vice President of the Carruth Foundation and sits on multiple nonprofit boards in Houston. Her honors include: - ABC13 Woman of Distinction - St. Jude's Woman of Philanthropy - Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker - Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business From 2021–2023, she served as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo during her husband Brady Carruth's term as Chairman of the Board. 'Zane leads with both elegance and purpose,' says Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck, Founder of USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO. 'We're thrilled to see her featured in Woman's World and honored to share her story with our global audience.' Connect & Learn More: Instagram: @worldsfirsttoothfairy Facebook: World's First Tooth Fairy | ==================================================================== About USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO: USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO is an award-winning international broadcasting network with over 7,700 live-streamed shows and audiences in more than 100 countries. The platform champions elevated listening, storytelling, and connection. It is also a proud recipient of the YouTube Silver Creator Award for surpassing 100,000 subscribers. Media Contact: USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO [email protected] Zane Carson Carruth Evolution Multimedia Firm 562-286-7390 [email protected] Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
