The 411 Magazine Issue 5 | Page 53

FEATURE the health benefits of yoga and connected activities have for children and I wanted to share this with our young. Science also is now confirming the health benefits of activities such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness. Why do you think issues such as self-harm, depression, suicide and mental health disorders are on the rise in our younger generation?     Yes, I think it is very disturbing as a parent to see these statistics on the increase and I think the health service need to do more active and detailed survey of patients and their history to see if we can establish a pattern history.     I have a few of my personal thoughts on why this may be. There is greater exposure to media and the focus on what is the perfect body, the perfect lifestyle, the must have gadgets, which are having an impact on individual psyche. Kids are disconnecting from their core, and not truly valuing the amazing individuals they are. Their focus is constantly on the external, not the internal. Social media and gaming for long lengths of time also have an impact on a child’s reality and how they process their world. The breakdown of the traditional family unit, means that there are many more single parents now, who are finding it more challenging. I am a single parent; therefore, I have first- hand experience of the change in the home status quo from my childhood with two parents and although I endeavour to give the best to my kids, I know my time gets absorbed with doing things for them. I would love to have more free time with them. Do you think there are enough services and tools out  there for children and teens to access to help with these issues?     I know at present most secondary schools have a school councillor and schools are doing more to support well-being with PSHE etc, but I do think there is scope for many more initiatives, which provide children and teens with tools to self-manage their emotions, disperse frustrations, anger, low self-esteem etc. What impact do you want 'Magnificent Me, Magnificent You' to have on the younger generation?     I would love 'Magnificent Me, Magnificent You' to provide the tools and resources in supporting a young person to truly acknowledge their magnificence, absolutely love their self, their uniqueness, diversity and gifts.  To connect with their core strength and know the power within to create a happy future that is able to overcome challenges life may throw. To share the power of their minds and thoughts on their world and share that they are in control and can choose and master their emotions with practice and understanding. What simple tools can everyone use on an everyday basis to keep a positive mind?     Everything begins with the self, the most important thing is self-love, as once we master this we will make choices that are good for us and others. Love is unconditional; therefore, the key is to love yourself unconditionally, each unique part of you. As we know young people are exposed to negative conditioning and this has had an adverse effect on the psyche. Therefore, it is not a quick overnight fix, but a process