As the parent of an autistic child, you know you face a lot of struggles…
But what if I told you that you’re not alone, and that there’s an easy, free way to help boost your mood, stave off stress-related health challenges, and connect more deeply with your child?
While it’s easy to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle, practicing a bit of mindfulness and meditation can significantly help improve your mood, reduce your stress levels, and help you be a better parent.
If you or someone you know is parenting an autistic child, it’s time to give meditation a try!
How does meditation work?
Meditation is all about slowing down. The process is pretty simple. It may take a little practice to become comfortable with sitting still in silence, so take a minute to quiet your mind by thinking about nothing in particular.
After a few minutes of quiet reflection, notice your thoughts. You might notice your mind wander into a memory, or start imagining something. Simply observe that you are thinking. Once you notice what you’re thinking, acknowledge it, and let it go. This is the basic version of a silent meditation, and you can do it anywhere, and anytime!
There are many types of meditation...some people focus on the silent meditation I just shared about. Others prefer walking meditation where they focus on the movement of their bodies as it relates to their thoughts.
Many people prefer guided meditation as it gives them something to focus on and helps them ease into a new meditation practice.
Why is meditation effective for autism parents?
What makes meditation effective for parents and autistic children is that it reduces the level of stress in the brain. Stress can cause many problems such as insomnia, poor sleep quality, memory problems, depression, increased anxiety, and even cardiovascular disease.
There are two main ways meditation reduces stress: One, is through the reduction of the physical signs of stress (e.g., blood pressure). And two, it also calms the mind so we can focus on the task at hand.
Basically, meditation works because it allows people to de-stress.
We know as parents of autistic kids that our days are filled with stressors and responsibilities…
Trying to get our kids ready for school and back again.
The responsibility of finding activities that will help them develop in areas such as social skills and communication.
The stress of figuring out how to make our homes and communities more accessible to our children.
And that’s not even 1/100th of what we’re likely to deal with (or worry about) each day!
Meditation is a practice of mental and physical relaxation that can help calm the mind, relieve stress, and improve emotional health. It is something that every autism parent should try to incorporate into their daily routine.
What are the benefits of meditation for autism parents?
Meditation is just another word for the practice of mindfulness, but it's a more formal, structured practice than mindfulness alone. When we do meditation, we use some specific techniques to focus our mind, calm it, and get rid of negative emotions. Parents who meditate report feeling calmer, happier, and less stressed. They also say that their children are more focused and attentive when they practice.
I've always been a big fan of meditation because of its ability to increase focus and improve productivity. It can help you calm down and stay focused.
Where can I get guided meditations specifically for autism parents like me?
Glad you asked! As a Certified Meditation Instructor, I believe strongly in the ability of mindfulness and meditation to help autism parents navigate the challenges we face. That's why I created a YouTube Channel where I share free guided meditations to help you unwind, de-stress, and get back to your center.
Check out the links below and see which one resonates with you the most!
Meditation For Parents Of Autistic Kids: Parental Serenity…for when you need a quick pick-me-up!
Meditation for Caregivers of Autistic Children: Mindful Meditation…when you need to spend some time focussing on your mindful thoughts.
Autism Parenting Meditation…perfect for when you need to quickly release the physical stress and tension you’ve been holding on to, and shift your focus to gratitude.
Guided Meditation for Autism Parents: Navigating the Autism Diagnosis Process…ugh, the diagnosis process! It can be difficult to manage, this meditation will help you discover your calm.
Guided Meditation: Affirmations for Parents of Autistic Children…sometimes, we need to say nice things to ourselves! This guided meditation will help you remind yourself that you’re doing a great job for yourself and your child.
Conclusion
Sometimes, when we think of meditation, we think of Buddhist monks chanting for hours or sitting silently in a full lotus yoga pose, meditating in their caves for days. While meditation can be like that, it doesn't have to!
Mindfulness and meditation can be a powerful part of your self-care routine as an autism parent, and it takes less than 10 minutes a day to get started. Check out this playlist to discover your favorite mindful reset...
And if you're looking for more ways to improve your self-care practice, click here to get your free copy of "7 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Stress: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Children." It’s full of the type of self-care advice that works for autism parents like you.
Meet your self-care coach!
