Wellbeing for All
Here are some suggestions for you to explore in your settings or send home with the children—small acts of kindness and moments of connection that can spark joy and comfort.
Share these with your parents and colleagues to enhance the promotion and sustainability of overall wellbeing.
1 . Make a worry doll
I’m your little worry doll
Keep me by your side
When worries pop into your head
Don’t let the tears slide
I will always listen
I am laid right next to you
Tell me how you’re feeling
No need for feeling blue
If you have little ones that worry – think about making one of these for them/with them - they can carry it, tuck it under a pillow, or keep it in a pocket. Worry dolls originate from Guatemala – Maya the princess received one from the sun god and it allowed her to solve any problem a human could worry about.
2. Make a fruit kebab and eat the rainbow
| Red |
reduce risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease, improve skin |
| Orange |
improve immune function, reduce risk of heart disease, promote eye health |
| Green |
boost immune system, help detoxify body, restore energy and vitality |
| Purple |
fight cancer and unwanted inflammation, help keep young |
| Red |
basic trust |
| Orange |
creativity |
| Green |
healing |
| Purple |
spiritual |
Make a kebab for a team member and explain why you used which fruit.
Make a kebab for yourself and enjoy.
3. It is time to update your Self-regulation toolbox
Helping children with their regulation is a big part of a practitioner’s work. Do you have the tools up your sleeve? Although co regulation and self-regulation are supported by our cuddles, body language and words it’s a good idea to make an area for children to relax – a book area, a tent, a cosy spot and provide resources in a box, on a shelf etc that they can choose to help them reach calm. Could children choose and make their own boxes and what could go in them?
4. Therapeutic playdough
Are you bored of playdough, sand and water? Let’s mix it up? Introducing different malleable experiences using aromatherapy oils therapy can be a lift.
Why not try?
Dream Dough
Food colouring (optional) and a few drops of aromatherapy oil to one cup hair conditioner and add two cups corn flour. Mix well. Have fun.
Squidgy sand - Mix baby bath mixture or washing up liquid into the sand, and drop of oil.
Orange essential oil - Good for…Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Focus, Nervousness, Immunity booster, Loss of appetite, Sinusitis.
Peppermint essential oil - Good for…Boosts energy, Improve mental focus, Aids in digestion, Boosts immunity, Stimulates mental activity, Clears respiratory track, Nourishes skin, Eliminates nausea and headaches.
Rose water essential oil - Good for……Eczema, Acne, Anti oxidant, Cleansing, Anxiety, Wrinkles.
Cedar wood essential oil - Good for…ADHD, Sleep, Asthma, Arthritis, Eczema, Pain relief.
Lavendar essential oil - Good for…Reducing stress, Promotes healthy sleep, Calming, Headaches, Relaxes the mind
Or just jazz up your playdough
Gingerbread Playdough – ½ tsp all spice, ½ tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp ginger.
Smelly Playdough – add few drops of vanilla extract/peppermint extract/almond extract.
Coffee Playdough – 1 tsp of instant coffee, dissolved in the boiling water.
Fruity Playdough - contents of 3 blackcurrant dazzler tea bags.
Chocolate Playdough – substitute 1 spoon of cocoa for flour.
Sparkly Playdough –Glitter, Sequins