CURRENT CLASSES THAT CAN REDUCE STRESS

   TWO NEW SERIES STARTING IN 2023!   

DO YOU WANT TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT DIFFICULT SUBJECTS (including stress, alcohol, substance use, anxiety /depression) and how these things are effecting their lives, school, friends and even their futures? Not sure WHAT to say, HOW to say it, or even WHEN to discuss?

Research shows that direct and honest discussions benefit all family members and create a setting that fosters healthy emotional development. In times of change, clear and consistent messages build resiliency, teach coping skills and reduce family stress. 

Based on the award-winning national curriculum called Creating Lasting Family Connections, our class has been designed to strengthen parent-child communications skills and family bonding. Family members learn how to safely express their emotions, thoughts  and fears, while showing kindness and support for each other. 

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   Our PARENT CONNECT CLASS consists of a series of 5 (90 min) consecutive sessions facilitated by certified instructors Lauren Lanham and Nancy Billington. The classes are FREE and open to ALL parents, grandparents and guardians. Feel free to forward our link to your friends.

Email nbillington@InspireInc.org to register for 2023 Session #1: on Wednesdays at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church: 

November 1, 8, 15, 29 and December 6 

at 7-8:30 PM

OR

Email LLanham@InspireInc.org to register for 2024 Session #2: on Tuesdays at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church: January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6,         at 7-8:30 PM 

non-church members welcome to join

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WEEK 1. 

Walking In Their Shoes

We will focus on understanding your child's perspective in order to connect empathically.

WEEK 2. 

How Do You Feel?

An in-depth look into emotions; their effect on behavior, how to regulate our own, and how to validate those of others.

WEEK 3. 

Can We Talk?

Valuable techniques to listen compassionately and express our feelings honestly. 

WEEK 4. 

Let's Make a Deal

Identify parental expectations and consequences and present them fairly for mutual agreement. 

WEEK 5. 

Being The Peace

Discuss today's specifics threats to your children's mental health including stress, alcohol and substance use, E-cigarettes and post-pandemic challenges. Create your family COPING-PLAN and model the behavior you hope to see in your child.

Our recent and unprecedented  health crisis has shaken our lives to the core. Perhaps nothing causes more stress and anxiety than the unknown. With so many unanswered questions, we must look to calm, relax and heal ourselves with the tools available where we are sheltered.

A pen and paper can help.  

Expressive writing is easy. In just one hour you will learn ways to add this simple practice to your Self-Care Plan. By writing about your thoughts and feelings for as few as 10 minutes you may change your emotional state,  improve your thought process and even sleep better. 

This class is based on University of Texas Prof. James Pennebaker's 30 years of nationally recognized research which has connected the process of writing our feelings down on paper to better health. This practice can result in reducing heart rate and blood pressure, minimizing stress, strengthening the immune system and improving your overall mood.  

It is important to note that the healing aspect of writing has been proven to be in the process, not the product. The goal is not to create a piece of literature but to release the tension of worrisome thoughts by transferring them from your mind to paper. No writing experience or special skills are necessary!  

This is presented as a 1-Session (90 min) class  with optional to follow up as a group.  Works well with book groups, church or school groups/clubs. Email program director LLanham@InspireInc.org about joining a class or creating a presentation for  your own group. 

Some of the many benefits of a meditation practice include:

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Enhanced Self-Awareness & Emotional Health

Longer Attention Span & Ability to Focus

Improved Sleep

Can decrease blood pressure

Accessible almost anywhere

Interested in trying a class for yourself or for a group? We are available to deliver free meditation sessions over Zoom or in person. A typical class could last anywhere from 30 - 60 minutes. We begin with an introduction to the effects of stress on the body and mind and discuss the importance of self care and what it might look like for different people. The guided relaxation practice follows. 

Please email: Lauren - llanham@inspireinc.org to book your session, create a group or ask questions.