THE ROAD MAP

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

🚦 First stop (Tetris & PTSD relief)

🛤️ Site-seeing at mylemarks.com (NEW: Self-Care Work-through-Book )

📣 A word from 1440 Media

📡 On the Radar (Eldest daughter, bedtime routines, and more)

📅 Mark your calendars (Important dates to know)

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

Let’s go!

FIRST STOP

🧠 Tetris Therapy: A Surprising Tool for PTSD Relief

A groundbreaking study reveals that a single session involving the video game Tetris can significantly reduce intrusive memories in healthcare workers who experienced trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by Uppsala University researchers and published in BMC Medicine, the study found that the Tetris-based intervention helped decrease the frequency and severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms, with effects lasting up to six months.

The treatment, called the "imagery-competing task intervention," required participants to briefly recall a distressing memory before engaging in 20 minutes of Tetris on their smartphones. Researchers believe the game’s visual and spatial demands compete with the brain’s ability to replay traumatic images, effectively disrupting intrusive memories.

While promising, the study has limitations, such as the lack of clinical PTSD diagnoses and its focus on healthcare workers. Researchers hope to expand this approach to diverse populations, including military personnel and first responders. Holmes envisions this intervention as a scalable, accessible "cognitive vaccine" to help prevent and treat PTSD symptoms, providing quick, effective mental health support in high-stress situations.

SITE-SEEING at mylemarks.com

Now Available: Self-Care Work-through-Book

The Self-Care Work-through-Book is a practical and engaging tool designed to help kids explore the importance of self-care in their daily lives. This workbook guides young clients through four key areas of self-care—Physical, Emotional, Social, and Fun—using interactive activities, reflective prompts, and creative exercises. The workbook is especially helpful in fostering self-awareness and encouraging conversations about what helps kids feel balanced and supported. Preview it here.

Additional Related Resources

Find resources related to the Self-Care Work-through-Book

A Word from 1440 Media

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ON THE RADAR

 🤖 Are Schools Ready for AGI?

With Artificial General Intelligence (computer intelligence that can learn, reason, and adapt) expected to debut by the end of 2025, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman is making bold claims about its transformative potential. Altman acknowledges its potential to disrupt traditional jobs and amplify inequalities. For schools, this means rethinking their approach and teaching critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical understanding of technology. Practical steps include integrating AI as a collaborative tool in classrooms, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, and fostering a culture of lifelong education. However, equity remains a pressing concern. Targeted investments in technology for underfunded schools and training teachers in AI literacy are essential to ensure that all students benefit from AGI’s potential, regardless of their background.

The coming wave of AGI raises difficult questions for educators: How do we balance AI’s use with preserving human creativity? How do we prepare students for jobs that don’t yet exist?

 👩‍👧 'Eldest Daughter Syndrome' Gets Scientific Backing

A recent UCLA study sheds light on "eldest daughter syndrome," exploring how first-born daughters often shoulder unique responsibilities. This phenomenon equips daughters to act as “helpers-at-the-nest,” taking on roles that support younger siblings. Interestingly, these findings were absent in first-born sons, reflecting gendered caregiving dynamics. Lead researcher Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook explains that this early maturity is an adaptive response to challenging environments, giving mothers a critical ally in child-rearing. The study also suggests that stress signals during pregnancy shape life cycles to prepare children for anticipated conditions. These insights underline how early life experiences uniquely shape eldest daughters, often blurring the lines between sibling and caregiver roles.

🤝 The Link Between PTSD and Loneliness in Teens

A recent study sheds light on the complex relationship between post-traumatic stress (PTS) and loneliness in adolescents. Researchers found a bidirectional link, meaning PTS symptoms can increase feelings of loneliness, while loneliness can, in turn, worsen PTS symptoms. This vicious cycle is particularly concerning because both PTS and loneliness are linked to negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing both issues simultaneously. “Teens who experience trauma often withdraw socially, which only deepens their sense of isolation and intensifies PTS symptoms,” they noted. The study underscores the need for clinicians and caregivers to consider loneliness not just as a consequence but also as a contributor to trauma-related mental health challenges.

RELATED: How to Deal with Teen Loneliness in an Age of Technology

🛌 Bedtime Routines and Emotional Regulation in Kids

A recent study published in Child Development highlights how consistent bedtimes play a crucial role in children’s emotional well-being. The research found that children with regular sleep schedules tend to have better emotional control, reduced impulsivity, and improved attention compared to those with irregular bedtimes. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 children, revealing that irregular sleep patterns were associated with higher levels of emotional distress and behavioral issues. Dr. Sarah Armstrong, the study's lead author, stated, "Sleep consistency isn’t just about getting enough sleep; it’s about setting a predictable rhythm that supports mental health and behavior."

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Here are some upcoming dates you should know!

• International Day of Education (January 24) – Highlights the role of education in promoting peace and development worldwide.

• National Compliment Day (January 24) – Encourages the sharing of compliments to spread positivity and kindness.

• National Puzzle Day (January 29) – Celebrates the enjoyment and educational value of puzzles, promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.