Earlier this week I came across and article published by the Employee Program Assist Services, which spoke about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The article expanded my understanding of 'negative' emotions and experiences as that it can be pointless to ignore these natural life experiences and instead use them to commit to pursuing what we value in life. 

I would normally ignore this type of email spam however, current life stresses and changes to life as we have known it most recently prompted me to read on.

The article outlined ways to redefine your stressors so you can do the things you want to do while allowing distress or other emotions to simply be present as part of your experience.

The following techniques were suggested and I feel may be useful for everyone including children.

1. Practicing mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment, or your current thoughts, feelings, actions, and physical sensations.

2. Keeping a balanced perspective
Recognising and remember that you are not your feelings. Even though you are experiencing those feelings, you can choose how to respond to them. 

3. Identifying values and goals
Living a life of purpose, as a general rule, often becomes easier when you have a clear destination in mind and a good understanding of what matters most to you.

4. Committing to values and goals
Dreams tend to stay stuck in your head until you put in the effort to make them a reality.

5. Accepting unwanted feelings
Sometimes you’ll need to overcome some challenges in order to reach your goals.