In the last newsletter, we reminded you about The Resilience Project – Parent and Carer Resource Hub. We shared Part 1 and Part 2 of the Parent Resource Hub. Today’s notice is all about Part 3 and Part 4 - Empathy/Kindness and Mindfulness

Part 3 - Empathy

Empathy is our ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others to feel and see what they do. We practise this through being kind and compassionate towards other people.

Brain imaging data shows that being kind to others registers in the brain as more like eating chocolate than like fulfilling an obligation to do what’s right (e.g eating brussels sprouts)! Research shows that practising empathy, such as performing acts of kindness, taps into our brain’s ‘mirror neurons’, builds compassion and our behaviour becomes more social and community-based.

View Part 3 of the series below:

Part 3 - Empathy: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

Here’s an activity to practise empathy and kindness:

Reflect on someone in your life who could benefit from an act of kindness today. It could be a friend who would love some affirmation about their work, your pet who deserves an extra treat, or a family member who would love a phone call or text message.

Make a plan for who you are going to give an act of kindness to, and what you are going to do.

If you want to add accountability to your plan, share it with someone else and encourage them to do the same thing.

Follow up with each other in a few day's time, to ask how it went!

Part 4: Mindfulness

Mindfulness is our ability to be present at any given moment. We practise this by using intentional awareness and concentrating on what you are doing when you are doing it.

Thousands of studies into Mindfulness indicate that with regular practise, Mindfulness can lead to benefits such as; reduced stress, reduced rumination, increased memory, increased cognitive function, and physical health benefits through improved immunity.

View Part 4 of the series here:

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

Mindfulness can be practised through meditation, yoga, flow-states, and daily activities such as cooking.