THE ROAD MAP

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

🚦 First stop (Doing nothing can improve mental health)

🛤️ Site-seeing at mylemarks.com (FREE: Boundaries with Friends)

📡 On the Radar (Teen burnout, gentle parenting, and more)

📅 Mark your calendars (Important dates to know)

🤗 Sharing is Caring (spread the mylemarker love and earn)

Let’s go!

FIRST STOP

🧘‍♀️ How Doing Nothing Can Improve Mental Health

Imagine attending an event where the sole purpose is to do absolutely nothing—no phones, no books, no talking—just exist in the present moment. Welcome to Hong Kong's "Space Out" event, where participants are encouraged to slow down and prioritize mental well-being.

The rules are simple: arrive, sit, and do nothing. It may sound counterintuitive, but research shows that taking breaks and engaging in relaxation can have numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, boosted creativity and productivity and improved focus and concentration.

By doing nothing, individuals can recharge, cultivate mindfulness and prioritize mental health. In a society that often values busyness and productivity, the "Space Out" event challenges that mindset, showing that slowing down is beneficial and necessary. Organizer Ng Wing-sze notes, "We want to show people it's okay to slow down and do nothing – it's actually beneficial for your mental health." In a world that's always on the go, embracing the power of doing nothing can be a radical act of self-care.

SITE-SEEING at mylemarks.com

Boundaries with Friends

The "Boundaries with Friends" worksheet is a way for kids to think about what makes them feel comfortable with their friends. It gives them space to decide things like the names they prefer, types of touch they’re okay with (like high-fives or hugs), and the kinds of jokes they enjoy. It also helps them recognize what they’re not comfortable with, making it easier to set clear boundaries. This activity is all about helping kids feel safe and respected in their friendships while learning how to express their preferences in a positive way.

Thanksgiving Resources

Celebrate Thanksgiving with our collection of holiday-themed resources!

Thanksgiving Activity Pack
Turkey Game + Craft
Our Thanksgiving Traditions
How We Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thankful A to Z
Turkey Feelings Chart
Thankful 4 U Cards
Thanksgiving Food: Yuck or Yum!
I Am Grateful!

ON THE RADAR

 😰 Teen Burnout: The Pressure to Always Be Productive

Teens today are feeling immense pressure to be productive all the time, and it’s leading to widespread stress, anxiety, and burnout. Whether it's excelling in school, getting into top colleges, or keeping up with extracurricular activities, teens often feel stuck in a relentless cycle of achievement. This constant push for productivity can make it difficult for them to take breaks, relax, or focus on self-care. Experts are warning that without addressing these pressures, teens may face long-term mental health struggles and are calling for more balance and support.

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness as Effective as Antidepressants for Anxiety Relief

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may be just as effective as the antidepressant escitalopram in reducing anxiety symptoms. The study involved 276 adults with untreated anxiety disorders, showing similar improvements in both groups over an eight-week period. This research highlights mindfulness as a promising non-pharmacological alternative or complement to medication, offering individuals more options in managing anxiety.

👶 The Gentle Parenting Dilemma

Gentle parenting, an approach emphasizing emotional validation and collaboration, has gained popularity but is now facing criticism for promoting unrealistic expectations and burnout. Many parents, like Lauren Eaton Spencer, struggle to implement gentle parenting daily, finding it ineffective in managing everyday challenges. Experts argue that this approach can be damaging to parents' mental health, with over 40% of self-identified gentle parents experiencing burnout and self-doubt. In response, some are turning to "lighthouse parenting," which emphasizes setting clear boundaries while being a stable, guiding force. This approach, rooted in authoritative parenting, is backed by research as an effective way to raise confident and successful children. Experts urge parents to trust their instincts and prioritize self-care.

⚖️ Concerns Raised About Special Ed Suspensions in Schools

The American Academy of Pediatrics is raising concerns about the high rates of suspensions among students in special education programs. The group argues that suspending these students disproportionately impacts their learning and mental health. They recommend that schools adopt alternative approaches to discipline, such as behavioral interventions and support systems, rather than punitive measures. The Pediatrics group is calling for more inclusive, supportive environments to ensure that students with disabilities receive the appropriate care and education without facing exclusionary discipline.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Here are some dates and resources you should know!

• World Kindness Day (November 13) – A day to celebrate and encourage acts of kindness, fostering a more compassionate world.

• National Educational Support Professionals Day (November 15) – A time to recognize the valuable contributions of school support staff, who play an important role in children's academic success.

• International Day for Tolerance (November 16) – Promotes understanding and respect among different cultures and communities around the world.

• Universal Children's Day (November 20) – Celebrated to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.