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10 Easy and Efficient Ways for Parents to Relax

As a mom we worry about our children and take care of ourselves last (if at all.)  If you are the parent of a child with special needs the worries multiply, and free time goes out the window.  In this situation it is even more important that you practice self-care to keep from becoming overwhelmed and stressed out.  Here are a few ways you can relax and decompress that don’t require a lot of time or equipment.

Take a few deep breaths

Sit up straight with your eyes closed and slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.  Taking a 5 minute “breathing break” has positive benefits: “Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure,” psychologist Judith Tutin, PhD, says. She’s a certified life coach in Rome, GA.

Meditate

When the kids are napping, or before you go to bed – turn on some quiet music, sit down, close your eyes and think about….nothing! I have a meditation app on my phone ( it was free!) that has 4 choices of soothing sounds.  I use it as often as I can during the day.

Sip some water

Sounds crazy doesn’t it?  Water is not just important for your body, it also rejuvenates your mind. The simple act of slowing down to have some water can stop the chaos for a moment.

Journal

Writing your thoughts down when you are stressed or upset can help to clear your mind and take some of the stress away.

Progressive muscle relaxation

In this relaxation technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group.  The Mayo Clinic recommends that you start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and progressively work your way up to your neck and head. You can also start with your head and neck and work down to your toes. Tense your muscles for about five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, and repeat.

Visualization

Take a visual journey in your mind to a peaceful, calming place or situation. Try to incorporate as many senses as possible during your visualization.  If you are imagining a day at the beach you would think of how the sun feels on your body or hear the waves rolling into the shore.  Choose whatever situation is calming for you.

Do some neck stretches

Many of us hold stress and tension in our neck and shoulders.  Stretching your neck can relieve some of this tension.  Just bend your head forward as if tucking your chin into your chest.  Hold for a count of 5 and feel the tension along the back of your neck. Then release and relax.

Shoulder shrugs

To release the tension in your shoulders  -raise them up as high and as close to your ears as you can and feel the tension.  Then let your shoulders drop all at once and feel the difference.

Yoga

Try a simple yoga pose for stress relief.  YouTube has some great stretches that are simple to do: here

Laugh!

Studies have shown that laughter really can be the best medicine.  If you are having a bad day, call a friend or family member that makes you laugh.  It will give you a mental break and change your outlook!

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Patient Reviews

LLA Therapy

Patient Reviews

Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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