High Park

 

Today I am grateful for and recognize the value of high park for spending quality time with family. The high park has its own significance for a variety of attractions and recreational activities. Today I toured there in the afternoon with my family. I appreciate its importance and fame for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• High Park is located at 1873 Bloor street west in Toronto, Ontario Canada. It is a municipal park. Today inside parking facility was closed for some reasons, otherwise, it is opened for public 7 days in a week. Bike rental was available on site with a biking trail in the high park

• High Park offers a huge playground area with a variety of swings, rides and spins onsite. Some of them were newly installed. Children were busy playing. I heard them giggle and chuckle. Their pleasure and joy was visible 

• There was a 5 km ride with a train cum minibus available. We enjoyed the ride and explore the high park and its variety of gates and stations. The driver was friendly and stopped at every stop for riders. His customer service was excellent 

• I observed a community swimming pool with a variety of facilities, however, it was closed due to the cold weather or maybe due to COVID 19 protocol

• There were a variety of recreational facilities on site such as a tennis court, soccer fields, baseball and ice skating

• High park zoo is another attraction for visitors. It is open every day from 7 am to dusk. Children love to visit this area and watch animals. The environment was created close to nature

• The children's garden and teaching kitchen is another attraction for countless visitors. Children learn simple recipes and get first-hand gardening experience. This is a great learning opportunity for grownups

• High Park is scenic, stunning and picturesque with beautiful trees, walking trails and tracks. A variety of restaurants, ice creams bikes are on site. It is a must-visit park once in a life and explores something new or different 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Fruits

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the enormous influences and impressions of fruits on health. There is a lot of variety of fruits around the globe even every region offer some special fruits that belong to it. After immigrating to Canada, I witnessed and saw a variety of fruits that I had not seen in Pakistan. I comprehend the significance of the fruits for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Fruits are packed or loaded with a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fibre. Every fruit has a distinct flavour, aroma and tickles differently to the taste buds. Fruits have tremendous health benefits such as it helps to control weight, energize, easily digest, positively linked with metabolism, good for skin, intestine, heart, liver, pancreas, bones, blood and affects your thoughts and feelings and keep you healthy. If people do consume fruits as a diet it is called fruitarian diet

• Fruits are consumed and eaten regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status and culture around the globe. Fruits prices are varied from its kind so anyone can afford fruits. Banana or melon could afford by anyone at some point in their life

• The most popular fruits for children are bananas, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, watermelon and grapes. Seniors do prefer apples, melons, papaya and almost every fruit

• Fruits can be eaten as is, however, it is baked, roast, steam, fried, BBQ, grilled, smoked, boiled or simmer. There are a variety of commercial products available in the market prepared by fruits such as jam, jelly, marmalade, cookies, biscuits, cakes, bread (banana bread), patties, crackers, fruit chips, sun-dried fruits, juices, nectars, smoothies, pies, custard, baby food, fruit salad, shampoo, body wash, makeup remover, lotions, creams, ointments, lip balm, essential oils, pickles, pizza crust and anything you can imagine 

• Personally, I like smoothies, nectars, salads, banana bread (freshly bake at home), orange marmalade, fruits skewers and most of the time I like fruits as-is. My children like banana, apple, pear, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, watermelon, melon, honeydew, golden kiwi, dragon fruit and raspberries

• In Pakistan, I noticed seasonal fruits such as watermelon or mangoes in the summer and oranges in the winter, however, in Canada, every fruit is available 365 days a year. In Canada, fruits do not have a smell, although, there size and quality exceeded the expectations, in Pakistan, fruits have a genuine aroma and tickle your nose precisely

• This is my understanding and experience with the fruits. What is your most favourite fruit? is the question of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Taking care of daily wellness

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of the road to recovery, rebuilding and resilience workshop series offered by the Malton Women Council. Today's session was titled "Taking care of Daily Wellness", hosted by Uzma Aziz Irfan and facilitated by Arshi Ali (Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying). I recognize and comprehend the value of daily wellness for a variety of reasons and identify the Malton Women Council's role in spreading awareness about mental health and wellbeing in the community, for instance:

• Malton Women Council is serving the community very well and offers a variety of programs and services for soothing the needs and wants in a variety of ways. Today's session has its own significance to spread the awareness of daily wellness and everyone really needs that care at this time of the COVID 19

• The facilitator Arshi Ali is a Registered Psychotherapist, blogger, writer, community ambassador, mentor and a member of OAHMP since 2015 and CRPO since 2018. Arshi Ali is Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has a degree in homeopathy

• Uzma Aziz Irfan is an Executive Director of Malton Women Council and hosted/coordinated today's session very well with a variety of strategies such as welcoming everyone, focusing on chat, following questions, connecting attendees with the facilitator and admitting everyone in the session

• Today's session commenced with welcoming everyone then proceeded with Arshi's introduction. Everyone asked to have some paper and pen for preparing their own customized daily wellness approaches and strategies. The taken insight and doctrine regarding daily wellness 

• Importance and benefits of deep breathing

• Wim Hof deep breathing

• 478 deep breathing exercise

• Instant chargers

• ME Time

• Gratitude Practice

• What is Sleep?

• Psychological effects of sleep deprivation

• How much sleep do you need?

• Bedtime rituals

• Power nap

• Diet/Exercise/reflexology/pressure points/mindfullness

• Positive affirmations

• Forgiveness practice

• Final words

• Today's session was incredible with a load of information, knowledge and learning regarding taking care of daily wellness. Find sessions, training or workshop that soothes your personal, professional or social needs is the thought of the day

If you have a question or concern, please free to ask or comment below

Introduction to Human Trafficking: A course for mental health and addiction service providers

Today I am grateful for completing a course titled "Introduction to human trafficking: A course for mental health and addiction service providers" offered by the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Today I earned 2.5 hours of credit units of learning. I acknowledge and appreciate this course for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• The Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offers a variety of learning opportunities at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic. I appreciate its role in spreading awareness in the community via a learning platform

• As a mental health practitioner and a registered psychotherapist, I noticed and realized that my understanding and awareness regarding human trafficking are now further enhanced. I am now able to identify the victim and traffickers. This course heightened my knowledge to the next level

• This course was online, surprisingly easy to connect at my own pace and comfort as no need to travel, drive or formally dress up. Today's course was highly engaging with a variety of tasks and activities such as quizzes, case studies, questions answers, MCQ and at the end course evaluation questionnaire

• This course offered five learning modules with a variety of topics covered. Each module commenced with an introduction and end with an evaluation questionnaire. Today's learning notions and doctrines about human trafficking are:

• What is human trafficking?

• Impacts and indicators of human trafficking

• Trauma-Informed care for human trafficking survivors

• Culturally competent care for people who have been trafficked

• Referrals, resources and consideration

• Course evaluation

• This is my ongoing incredible journey with the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Find webinars, training and courses that soothes your professional need is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Lotion

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of lotion/cream/balm/moisturizer that keeps the skin moisturized and soft. No one can deny the importance of lotion in winter. It helps the skin soft, smooth, silky and velvety all time. The lotion is an essential part of every household. I recognize and noticed its value for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• The lotion/cream/balm/moisturizer is used regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, region and culture around the globe. It is most demanded throughout the winter season. It is externally used over the skin to prevent dryness and promotes softness, silkiness and smoothness

• Lotions appear in a variety of tones, fragrances and brands, however, it serves the same purpose. You may discover lotions from as cheap as 2 $ to 300 $. It prises varies brand to brand and region to region. For instance, the same brand with varied prices in Pakistan, Italy and America

• Nowadays lotions are commercially produced to attract a variety of clienteles such as baby lotion, lotion for teenagers, lotion for male or female, lotion for pimple's skin, lotion for wrinkles, lotion for hands, lotion for feet, lotion for the body, lotion for face, lotion for old age, lotion with sunblock, with a 3 days moisturizer, lotion for beach and lotion for holidays

• In old age, the lotion was prepared at home with a variety of ingredients such as glyserine, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, honey and other ingredients. Before that people used to apply mustard oil or coconut oil or olive oil to moisturize their skin

• This is my journey with lotion/cream/balm or moisturizer. What is your favourite lotion? is the question of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

What is mood? Strategies and approaches to improve mood

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the Facebook live session titled "What is a mood? Strategies and approaches to improve mood" on Malton Bazm-E-Khawateen page. Today's session was hosted by Gulnaz Rehan, coordinated by Aasia Khatoon and facilitated by Arshi Ali (Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying). Today's session was based on a research article written by Carly Hallman and all of the strategies and approaches are evidence and research-based. 42 Scientifically proven ways to improve your mood and today's session was in the context of South Asian culture and values. Today was part one and the next will be the subsequent session of the given subject. The taken insight and notion from the session are:

• Get more sleep

• Exercise

• Volunteer in nature

• Spend time outdoor

• Cultivate Eudaimonic and hedonic happiness

• Listen to happy music

• Laugh

• Declutter

• Give a hug

• Pet an animal

• Consume Omega 3 fatty acid

• Think about what went well

• Take a deep breath

• Watch videos

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Monday

Today is Monday and I am grateful for this day. Monday is the commencement of the weekdays. After the weekend or end of the weekend, people try to prepare for Monday. Everyone has a distinct meaning and sense of Monday, however, it depends on the age, gender, profession, socioeconomic status and culture. I appreciate and recognize its significance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Monday commences right after Sunday. It is the first day of school, college, university and work after enjoying a weekend. Most of the time, it is hard for people to get up on Monday morning as their routines get disturbed throughout the weekend 

• Homemakers/mothers get relieved on Monday as everyone is on the job and they get some relaxing, comforting and calming moments for themselves. When everyone is relaxing on weekends, homemakers are juggling and shuffling with a variety of tasks at the same time

• Student life starts on Monday morning. Some students wake up tired due to the late-night sleep and they don't focus and even don't like Monday

• Muslims have a distinct meaning for Monday. They usually fast on Monday

• There is a Monday.com cloud-based platform to empower corporations and businesses to create their own software, programs and applications

• Here in Canada, sometimes a long weekend appears with Monday included and always pleasurable for citizens

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Things that make me smile

 

Today I am grateful for and acknowledge for being aware of the things that make me smile. This awareness is remarkably crucial for knowing the things, activities and stuff that make me smile and positively affect my wellbeing and health. The above pic of the journal with the title caches my thoughts all the time. I do write things that make me smile or be happy. This journaling keeps me aware of the notion of the above concept. I appreciate and want to share some of the strategies, things and activities that make me smile such as:

• Playing ludo with my family 😊 and no matter I win or lose, either way, it makes me smile and laugh

• Talking to my friends and cousins over the phone

• Conversation with children and husband with a lighter mood and listen to their stories

• Talking to nephews over the phone, always makes me smile

• Watching comedy movies, shows or drama

• Picking tomatoes from the tomato plants

• Picking Kuddu from Gulnaz place (recently discover)

• Listening to music

• If get any compliments from children and I am sure that's happen to everyone

• Enjoy at the beach with friends and family

• Ravine walk with friends

• Tea or coffee with the friends and chat a lot

• Having gol guppa or chat papri 

• Halwa poori breakfast on Sundays or omelet with green chillies and onion along with paratha (super soothing and comforting)

• Seeing old photos

• Having chocolates

• Celebrating birthdays, special occasions, wedding anniversary, potlucks, get together, Eid and Baqr Eid

• In some cases, window shopping

• Over the weight machine and notice some weight loss

• Eating pulao zarda together, qorma, nihari, kebab paratha and biryani

• These are the things and activities that make me smile, what are the things that make you smile is the question of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Long Drive

 

Today I am grateful for enjoying the long drive with my family. Long drives with loved ones such as family and friends are always delightful and refreshing in a variety of ways. I appreciate and comprehend its significance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• People do enjoy a long drive and follow a very distinct approach as per their taste. A long drive is therapeutic and soothing to the nerves as it satisfies and source of pleasure. The enjoyment attached with the long drive depends on the company you are in

• I do remember my first long drive with my family from Karachi to Hyderabad as we drove after breakfast, eat lunch in Hyderabad and dinner at the highway Dhaba while back home

• People do follow a variety of rituals throughout their long drive such as eating, snaking, having a coffee or a tea, smoothie, ice cream, listening to music, chatting, talking, fighting, listening to news/FM, listening to an audiobook, watching, viewing or seeing outside the car, knitting, reading, writing, sketching, doodling, drawing, typing, playing video games, talking over the phone and many more ventures

• Here in Canada, my long drive with family from Toronto to New York, almost 9 to 11 hours drive. We usually exerted 3 to 5 breaks throughout the long drive at ON Route. We ate a lot such as meethi Tikki, namak pare, nuts, papri and nimko throughout the long drive. We listen to music, take photographs, make videos, watch and observe a scenic view and talk a lot

• People go for a long drive on weekends or every month. It is pleasurable, comfortable and detaches you from your daily routine. I noticed that a long drive is kind of an instant charger to charge depleted energy or maybe a long drive is a ME time for some people

• This is my understanding with a long drive, what is yours? is the question of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Emotional Intelligence

 

Today I am grateful for attending a session of the road to recovery, rebuilding and resilience workshop series titled "Emotional Intelligence". This session was offered by the Malton Women council (MWC), hosted by Uzma Aziz Irfan and facilitated by Shveta Pathak. I appreciate and comprehend the significance of today's session for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Malton Women Council is spreading awareness regarding mental health and wellbeing in the community and this series is about the road to recovery, rebuilding and resilience. This is a great learning opportunity to be knowledgeable and informed. These sessions are free of cost for everyone (No need to pay a single $) and a huge financial relief at this time of the COVID 19

• Today's facilitator was Shveta Pathak. She is a certified personal development life coach, emotional intelligence coach, certified energy healer, who specializes in helping people connect with their true selves, realize their vision, smash limiting beliefs to live a content and happy life

• Uzma Irfan was a moderator and hosted a session very well. Uzma is an executive director of Malton Women Council (MWC)

• The session commenced with introducing yourself and what is emotional intelligence for you? Everyone shared and participated in the conversation. The taken insight and notion of today's session:

• What emotional intelligence is NOT?

• The difference between IQ and EQ

• How well do you read other people? The screen was shared with the quiz, faces with a variety of emotions with a four-point rating scale. The facilitator explained the names of the emotion and comprehend the expression very well

• Let's explore the emotion and intelligence

• Salovey and Mayer proposed a model that identified four different factors of EI such as perception, reason and management

• How do we perceive emotions?

• Application: Personal and Social

• Self-awareness such as strengths, abilities, weaknesses and sometimes hidden capabilities and skills

• Values and self-awareness

• Feeling words 

• Tips to build self-awareness such as 

• Keep a journal of feelings

• Make a list of roles

• Predict

• The three why's

• Ask for feedback

• Meditation

• What fills and drains your tank?

• Perceiving emotions

• Common situation

• Relationship management

• How to improve EQ?

• The facilitator invited everyone to share emotions, interpreted and explained the link between emotions and their connection very well

• Today's session was highly engaging and interacting. This is my incredible learning and journey with the Malton Women council (MWC). Find webinar, session or training that soothes your personal, social and professional needs is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Kale

Today I am grateful for an incredible and rich in nutrients vegetable called "Kale". My daughter has grown a pot of kale and I use it in salad and sometimes in a smoothie. Kale is a green leafy vegetable and offers a variety of health benefits. Today I appreciate and recognize its benefits for a variety of reasons for instance:

• Kale is rich in antioxidants, fibre, calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, beta carotene and other wide range of nutrients that keep a body more healthy and active

• Kale helps to manage blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, constipation and the digestive system. Kale is good for bones, hair, skin, heart health and eye health too

• Kale is really easy to grow at home in a pot. You may get its seeds from superstore, but I bought small plants from Canadian tire and are blessed with its benefits

• You may discover its variety, such as curly, scots or purple leaves. It has a different taste than spinach and cabbage, however, it has the quality to blend very well with a variety of sauces, dressings, fruits and smoothies

• Kale is easily available in a grocery store. You may find organic, normal and locally grown kale but its prices are varied such as organic is expensive as compared to other types of kale

• Kale is a part of salad, sandwiches, smoothies, steamed, grilled and frozen. Its tastes vary from its usage and with its blended style

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Flowers

 

Today I am grateful for and comprehend the value of flowers in our life. Flowers are part of everyday life in a variety of capacities and connections. Flowers are elegant and a wonderful expression of nature. I recognize and appreciate its significance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• There are tons of variety of flowers around the globe. Everyone like flowers as it attracts or soothe eyes, tickle the nose with a fragrance and gives positive feelings and vibes. Flowers are linked with wellness, wellbeing and positive mood

• There are times in life when flowers are the best choice to offer such as birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, special celebrations, achievements, baby showers, weddings, visiting for lunch or dinner, special invitations, Eid celebrations or any success in life is linked with flowers

• Nowadays, backgrounds or stages are decorated with real flowers and this industry is now skyrocketing. Even after returning from Umrah or Hajj, people do welcome their loved ones with flowers and rose petals. A new bride is welcomed to the house with flowers and even a newborn baby. The Groom car is decorated with flowers and petals

• Flowers have medicinal properties and use to treat discomfort or ailments in Asian culture. Even some flowers are poisonous or can cause life-threatening allergies. Be cautious while picking up or smelling flowers 

• Flowers are part of a variety of cuisines and cookery for decades such as gulqand is prepared with rose petals and used in a variety of ways. Even you may find dried flowers at the naturopathic store for treating disease or discomforts 

• There are a variety of commercial products available prepared with fruits such as fragrances, perfumes, essential oils, creams, powders, makeups, lipsticks, lotions, lip balms, shampoos, masks, scrubs, makeup removers, face wash, body wash, soaps, ointment, cookies, rose milk, juices and ittars (Islamic perfume)

• People do bring flowers when visiting graveyards or cemeteries to show their love and affection to that person. In Pakistan, people do visit graveyards with rose petals or chaddar of roses to the grave or tomb to show their connection 

• Personally, I like red roses (Pakistani roses), mogra, motia and rat ki rani and do enjoy their products such as gujre. I do use dried rose petals in pillows and cushions for a soothing smell. It relaxes me and the environment

• What meanings of flowers do you have? What is your favourite flower? is the question of the day 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Sandwiches

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of sandwiches in our life. Sandwiches are very popular regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, region, class, culture and community. Everyone has a chance to taste a sandwich at some point in their life and some might have sandwiches on daily basis. Sandwiches have their own existence and survival. I noticed that a variety of sandwiches still emerging and evolving day by day. Today I recognize its existence for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Sandwich means something in between two pieces of bread, bun or a loaf. People usually prepare sandwiches according to their taste, flavour and available stuff in the fridge or in the grocery bucket

• Sandwiches are easy to prepare, store and serve. It is the most convenient food or snack to be eaten or consumed. The most common preparation is to spread any sauce on both sides of the bread such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chilli garlic, tartar sauce, hot sauce, spread or chutneys and place anything in between such as meat, chicken, fish, prawns, lobster, kebabs, BBQ, steamed, roasted, eggs, vegetables, lentils or any leftover 

• Sandwiches are time-saving when it comes to their preparation. It is part of the lunch box for schools, colleges and offices. Sometimes it is served with hi-tea, afternoon tea and upon guest's arrival. It is a must item for birthday parties, get together, potlucks, farewells and gatherings. Children always love to eat sandwiches   

• You may learn a variety of sandwiches on YouTube, cookbooks, Facebook and cooking channels. A variety of homemakers are running their own cooking channels and you may find awe-inspiring recipes that would eternally satisfy and tickle your taste buds

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Cushions

 

Today I am grateful for the significance of cushions in our life. Cushions are a necessary and essential part of a household and you may discover a variety of stories linking with cushions. Cushions are a great part of a lifestyle and decore of the household and even an office. I appreciate and recognize its value for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Cushions appear in a variety of tones, measurements, materials and contours. It serves a variety of purposes. You may discover cushions in every region of the globe

• Cushions are comforting, supportive, therapeutic and soothing. You may imagine a moment while having a cushion in your back and sense its comfort. Its colours, patterns and designs are attractive and appealing and sometimes people buy it not as a necessity but they attracted by the design

• Nowadays, the cushion industry is emerging and day by day evolving. Cushion prices are varied, however, it depends on the materials and the brand. You may find a simple cushion, with embroidery cushion, embellishment, patterns, ornaments, pockets and a variety of handworks. You may also notice cushions with special materials such as leather, cotton, silk, jamawar or jut 

• Cushions appear and serve a variety of purposes such as floor cushion, back cushion, rest cushion or a cushion for a decore. People do rest, relax and calm them down over cushions

• Children have cushion fights and they throw cushions on each other. Children like to play games with cushions too and make a variety of themes with it

• This is my journey with cushion and relate my comfort and relax time with cushion. What application do you have with cushion is the question of the day. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Walmart

Today I am grateful for a store called "Walmart" that served a variety of community needs. The first Walmart store opened in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. Walmart is the product of the visionary leadership of Sam Walton. Walmart sells a variety of merchandise. Today I visited Walmart with my family and was blessed with its services and assistance for instance:

• Walmart has evolved and still emerging with a variety of contexts and products, however, I would like to mention a few of them such as their bedding section, clothing, accessories, groceries, books, toys, medicine, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, bakery items, cooked meals, pieces of machinery, plants, flowers, cycles, pots, makeup, jewellery, CDs, computer, frozen, boots, shoes, children clothing and many more

• Their return/exchange/refund/replacement policy is remarkable and satisfying. If you are not satisfied with the merchandise or any product, you can return it within three months. I discovered that if you lost a receipt, they will accommodate you further and identify your transaction with some professionals. That service is really remarkable for dealing with customer service

• There staff, team and crew members are trained with customer service. They assist, accommodate and support clients or buyers and addresses their needs appropriately to go further

• The parking lot of Walmart is enough to accommodate all customers with specified needs and requirements such as disabilities, parking with children or babies and a regular parking

• I appreciate Walmart and their merchandise for a variety of reasons such as prices, customer services and a variety of products. This is my journey with Walmart and I am satisfied with it 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

The harmony between mind, body and soul

Today I am grateful for and recognize the importance of harmony or balance between mind, body and soul. I am aware of the notion and exercising since then to have a balance between mind, body and soul. The best or productive thought, feelings and emotions appear as a link or a balance connection between all three requisite processes. Ailments, sicknesses and infirmities are a consequence of a disbalance/a lack of equilibrium between thought, physique and soul. I appreciate and noticed a variety of approaches/strategies that promote or elevate the harmony or rhythm between mind, body and soul, for instance:

• Faith study/being spiritual/prayers

• Exercise/walk/jogging/running/hike/trek n trail

• Sports/playing soccer, cricket, football and tennis

• Riding a bike/swimming/skiing/roller skate/skating

• Eat fruits and vegetables/drink plenty of water/avoid junk food/avoid process food/healthy smoothies

• Yoga/meditation/listening relaxation music/deep breathing

• ME time to nurture mind, body and soul

• Connect yourself with the instant chargers whenever needed

• Observe nature, plants, leaves, birds, crawlers, insects and animals 

• Read fiction, non-fiction, novels, stories and newspapers

• Reflection, journaling or writing a diary 

• Painting/sketching/doodling/colouring/rock painting

• Stimulate brain with playing puzzles or games

• Socialize with family, friends, neighbours and community

• Volunteering in the community or neighbourhood

• This is my journey with a balanced life. Follow some above mention strategies for soothing your mind, body and soul is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Expressive Art Therapy - MWC

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate today's session offered by Malton Women Council (MWC) titled "Expressive Art Therapy - Boundaries are brave" a road to recovery, building and resilience workshop series. Today's session was hosted by Uzma Irfan and facilitated by Syeda Zehra. I recognize and appreciate the significance of today's session, for instance:

• Malton Women Council proposes a variety of workshops, training and mentorship to the neighbourhood and spreading wellness in the community. Today's session was over the zoom, highly convenient to join, no need to travel or formally dress up. You just need to monitor internet connectivity for the flow of the session

• Today's session was highly interactive and linking with the sense of connectedness and belongingness 

• The facilitator Syeda Zehra is an expressive art therapist who provides creative social work by conducting art therapy sessions to help with guided self-expression. Utilizing her experience with arts and design, she helps clients to recover and cope with cognitive emotional issues and impairments. She is also a published children's books illustrator

• The host and coordinator Uzma Aziz Irfan was regulating the flow of the session very well such as reading chat, coordinating questions and focus on attendees

• The session commenced with the question "What is your boundary? share at least one boundary that supports you on the track or shares the boundary that you regret for". The attendees shared their lived experiences and the facilitator probed the scenario and convey the healthy boundaries (raising awareness). The taken notion and insight from the session are:

• Focus on risk factors

• Benefit of doubt

• Tolerance or level of threshold

• Try to convey your message

• Be resilient and adaptable

• Deep breathing for relaxation

• Forgiveness or let it go

• Detachment from annoying person

• Don't carry baggage try to fix the issue on the spot

• What is learning from NOT setting a boundary?

• Do not hold, try to say or communicate a message
• Find meaning in life

• This is my incredible journey with the Malton Women Council in a road to recovery, building and resilience workshop series and today's session was about expressive art therapy that was insightful. Try to find the session, wellness cafe or webinar that soothes your personal, professional or social needs is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Treatment Designed for Youth

 

Today I am grateful for attending a webinar titled "Treatment Designed for Youth" hosted by Jeremy and offered by EHN Canada. Today's webinar was facilitated by Dayna Browne (MSW, Clinical Lead for Healthy Minds Comprehensive Teen Program, EHN Outpatient Services) and  Lanie Schacter-Snipper (Registered Psychotherapist, National Director of Outpatient Services, EHN Canada). I appreciate and recognize the significance of today's session such as

• EHN Canada is remarkably spreading mental health awareness in the community and upgrading the knowledge and skills of the professionals

• The webinar was over the zoom, highly convenient to join across Canada, no need to travel, or formally dress up or drive. You just need to login and monitor internet connectivity for the flow of the session

• The taken insight and notion from Lanie Schacter session is following:

• The goals were discussed 

• Youth mental health in Canada - Overview in the Canadian context

• Program details such as launch date (October 2021), age, youth clinical hours, delivery method, group size and additional features

• Who would be a good fit for the program? Criteria were mentioned

• Who may NOT be a fit? such as active psychosis, untreated OCD 

• Benefits of virtual treatment for youth

• Efficacy of virtual treatment for youth

• Mitigating risk during treatment

• The next session was facilitated by Dayna Browne and the following notions were discussed

• Considerations when designing a teen program

• Caregiver Curriculum

• Measuring Success - Value of outcome measurement

• Keep them coming back- How can you support teens in adhering to and completing the program

• In the end, there was a QA session, every question was answered by the speaker that further clarified the concept of treatment designed for youth

• This is my learning and upgrading professional journey with EHN Canada. Find programs, webinars and training that soothes your professional needs is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Canva.com

 

Today I am grateful for the app called "Canva". This is a visual/graphic design platform to create graphics, posters, advertisements, banners, presentations, flyers and social media documents. Canva.com is a free app at some point, if you need advanced graphics and designing, then have to buy Canva pro. I appreciate and recognize its significance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Canva.com is a free app with a variety of templates and surprisingly easy to create your desired layout. Canva offers a variety of options such as presentation, poster, Instagram post, infographic, videos, logo, talking presentation, resume, flyers, graph, card, brochure, desk top wallpaper, photo collage, your story, zoom virtual background, report, business cards and many more

• Before COVID 19, I just completed basic training in computer literacy from the community center and my teacher introduced Canva.com to all students. At that point, my virtual journey began with canvas. I learned to make presentations, logos, cards, posters and temples. This training and learning opportunity assist me in my professional journey. Since then I am hooked on Canva.com to manage all professional, personal and social needs. My satisfaction and achievement level further heighten with this app

• This app is simple to handle or manage, however, if you have any problem or concerns for using this app, you may search on Youtube or Google your concerns and problems (that's my approach to resolve problems and I am succeded 90%). Another approach that helped me is "trial n error", I mean keep trying, discovering and keep learning 

• This is my journey with Canva.com. I noticed and recognized that Canva is a blessing to address personal, social and professional needs. Find something innovative and creative that soothes your personal, social and professional needs is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Frying pan

Today I am grateful for and comprehend the significance of the frying pan and its utilities. Frying pans are an essential kitchen utensil and may be found in every kitchen around the globe. I appreciate and am thankful for this useful appliance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Fraying pans appear in a variety of contours, measurements, substances and tones. It serves a variety of purposes as well

• A frying pan is a genuine blessing when it comes to frying an egg, omelette and souffle. It's tricky to choose a frying pan that suits and entertains all your needs and required cooking techniques. Be careful while purchasing 

• In some cases, only require a non-stick or simple one, although prices vary from brand to brand. Sometimes sizes matter but it depends on the family size and servings 

• You may discover a pan that serves all your needs such as uncoated aluminum, non-stick, ceramic coated, hard-anodized, stainless steel, cast iron and carbon steel. Before buying, do your research 

• Personally, I have a variety of pans that serves my all required cooking techniques and cuisines. I do cook and prepare eggs, omelettes, fried fish, shawarma chicken, kebabs, saute vegetables, namak pare, papri, meethi tikya, gol guppe, paratha, porian, reheat meals and utilize it for shallow and deep-frying

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Thanksgiving

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate counting and figuring the blessings of the past year. Personally, I do count blessings every day in the morning as my gratitude practice. Scientifically gratitude workout is a natural antidepressant (you may find a variety of researches on gratitude and its impact on brain functioning, mood, thoughts and feelings). In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is an annual holiday, endured on the 2nd Monday in October, which honours and acknowledges the produce/harvest and the blessings of the year. Some cultures and faiths do practice thanksgiving every day especially before every meal and in some faith, after finishing a meal they say thank you to God in their language. 

Today I and my family wishing all Canadians a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, happiness and prosperity

World Mental Health Day

Today I am grateful for and comprehend the significance of Mental Health. Today World Mental Health Day is being honoured and acknowledged worldwide to recognize the value of mental health. World Health Organization (WHO) campaign slogan for the year 2021 is "Mental health care for all: let's make it a reality". I personally believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. The most important aspect of mental health is the awareness and realization of the mental health issues and concerns that may affect anyone. Mental health awareness is much needed nowadays in every layer of life. As a Registered Psychotherapist, I want to share some never failed strategies to keep you intact and will positively affect your mental health, such as:

• Practice deep breathing before leaving your bed in the morning, it may set a relaxed and comforting tone for the rest of the day. You may practice 478 deep breathing or turn on very basic Vim Hof breathing exercise or square breathing is another option 

• A gratitude practice can change your life and it is really simple just to count your blessings. The research claimed that gratitude practice is a natural antidepressant. Whenever the mind shift from negative to positive aspects, the brain releases serotonin and that is the natural mood booster

• Focus on sleep and its patterns. Try to take 7 to 8 hours deep and relax sleep every day. During sleep our all body cells renew, repair and energize for the next day and lack of sleep is linked with a variety of physical and mental health issues and concerns

• Find some ME TIME on a daily basis to energize your thoughts, feelings and emotions. ME time will help you keep on track all day. ME time might be utilized to listen to an inspirational talk, faith study, journaling, socializing and reflect on your mood

• Make a list of instant chargers and whenever NOT feeling good or overwhelmed, pick something from the list and charge your depleted energy. Instant chargers are a good way to renew, restore and recharge drained energy. Instant chargers maybe a cup of tea, talking to a friend, listening to music, practice deep breathing and a walk to observe nature

• Try to practice self-compassion and accept yourself as you are. Love yourself. It will promote peace of mind and overcome inner voices

• Remember that Mental Health is just as important as Physical Health

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Pop it

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of pop it. Nowadays pop it is the most demanding and desired to play and operate by children of all ages. I recognized and noticed its importance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Pop it is undoubtedly available in a variety of tones, contours and proportions. You may discover very famous shapes such as a unicorn. Its variety has appeared in bright colours such as rainbow and is very appealing to the children. You may find white but it changes colours in the sunlight

• Children love and enjoy to pop it and it keeps the kiddos busy and away from social media and gadgets

• Pop it helps to promote eye and hand coordination and further heighten fine motor skills. Children keep playing with pop it for hours to hours and it gives them a sense of ownership and a sense of achievement while popping it

• Pop it is an anxiety reliever as it is claimed by the merchandise. It is a kind of mindfulness activity and connects the child with the present moment that's why is an anxiety reliever. I noticed happiness, joy and pleasure while with the pop it

• You may buy from Amazon, Alibaba and even superstores. Pop it is not expensive, its prices range from 2 $ to 20 $. Instead of playing video games or watching TV all the time, pop it is the best option to consider

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Kaddu Picking

 

Today I am grateful for and acknowledge the invitation of Kaddu picking from my beloved and dearest friend Gulnaz Rehan, residing in Mississauga. Gulnaz Rehan is the host and coordinator of the every Tuesday mental health session at Malton Bazm-E-Khawateen and my colleague at Malton Women Council (MWC) as a Resiliency Community Peer Ambassador project. Gulnaz's passion is graphic designing, Youtuber, horticulture, gardening, cooking and baking. She has been shining pretty well in all capacities and capabilities. Gulnaz is a source of inspiration and a striking influencer in the community. Today I appreciate and recognize her graciousness and courtesy for inviting of Kaddu picking

• People usually go for strawberry, blueberry or peach picking, however, we were at Kaddu picking. I had never been invited in my whole life for kaddu picking, it's my first time ever, therefore, I was thrilled and excited  

• Kaddu picking has a tremendous impact on thoughts, feelings and emotions. I was there with my husband and two young kiddos. I was amazed to witness a gigantic Kaddu. Kids were excited and touched to pick Kaddu

• I noticed and recognized happiness, joy and pleasure attached while picking Kaddu. I realized that Kaddu picking is related to mental health and wellbeing. Children had picked and owned the Kaddu. Sense of ownership was visible on their faces

• I am genuinely impressed with the way Gulnaz Rehan managed and maintained a variety of pots, flowers, vegetables and herbs. The ambience was remarkably relaxing and welcoming. Her garden reminded me of my very own back home garden with a variety of plants, fruits and vegetables, I regarded that connectivity and sense of belongingness

• We were blessed with lots of green and red chillies, tomatoes along with three Kaddu. I really appreciate Gulnaz and her husband Mr. Rehan hospitality and generosity. By the way, we enjoyed evening tea with shami kebab, milk cake and biscuits

• This is my incredible journey with Kaddu picking. Try to find activities that soothe your personal, social and professional needs is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Breathing and alive

Today I am grateful for breathing and being alive. Breathing well is a blessing, however, people have been struggling for breathing since the pandemic arrived. Coronavirus has been affecting regardless of gender, socioeconomic status and age. If you are still alive and breathing well, be thankful for that. You are blessed with countless blessings is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Today I am grateful for and acknowledge the significance of today's session, offered by Flemingdon Community Support Services (FCSS) titled "Share your healthy habits" and facilitated by Nawal Ateeq (Executive Director FCCS). I recognize and appreciate today's session for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• The session was in-person at Flemingdon Park off Don Mills Road, South of Flemingdon Park Shopping Centre. The session was under the tree and on the grass. It was a soothing, calming and scenic view and undoubtedly affecting our emotions, thoughts and feelings

• The session commenced with the mindfulness activity, Nawal Ateeq shared written instructions and everyone followed with closed eyes. Everyone shared and reflected on the mindfulness moment, that was an amazing experience

• The session proceeded with the 478 deep breathing exercise. It was taught by Arshi Ali (Registered Psychotherapist). She explained its benefits and comprehend at what time is the best to practice 478 deep breathing

• Nawal Ateeq revealed the significance of habits and invited everyone to share their positive and healthy habits. The taken insight and awareness regarding positive habits such as

• Wake up early morning

• Herbal organic tea

• Healthy breakfast

• Religious study

• Prayers

• Drink water in the morning

• Eat fruits in the breakfast

• Deep breathing

• Gratitude practice

• Positive affirmations

• Healthy smoothies

• Daily walk

• Exercise

• Journaling

• Take proper sleep

• Good listening

• Think positive

• ME  time

• Reading 

• Listening podcast

• Watch inspirational videos

• Be mindful if not focusing then connect with an instant charger to renew depleted energy

• Spending quality time with a family such as playing ludo, carem or Chinese chaker

• Personally, I do appreciate and enjoy the in-person sessions as compared to virtual ones. I noticed and recognized the sense of belongingness and connectedness. In other words, it was my mindful ME TIME with the community, surprisingly relaxing and soothing to my nerves

• The session was an excellent way of networking and a great way to learn from each other. I do highly recommend these sessions for the Flemington community in future 

• The COVID 19 protocol was in practice throughout the session such as mask was mandatory, hand sanitizer was on-site and social distancing

• The session was a zero-waste event as requested to bring your own plate, fork, spoon and cup. The refreshments were served such as a variety of grapes, crackers, cheese, bananas, cake rusk and rice pudding

• This is my incredible journey with the session, find some wellness sessions in the community to soothes your personal, professional and social needs is the thought of the day 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below