LUMA GIRLS
SISTERHOOD | WELLNESS | MAGIC
THE LUMA LIBRARY
Welcome Parents and Caregivers!
At the LUMA Library, we’re here to support you with trusted research and insights that explain the powerful practices we use at LUMA GIRLS to help girls grow confident, calm, and connected.
Everything we do is rooted in our three guiding pillars: Sisterhood, Wellness, and Magic.
Explore the five key sections below to discover how these pillars come to life and support your child’s whole self: mind, body, and spirit.
Connection + Confidence
Mindfulness + Emotional Well-Being
Holistic Healing Practices
Everyday Wellness + Self-Care
Imagination + Inner Spark
LUMA Library | Wellness & Confidence Resources for Girls 8–14
CONNECTION + CONFIDENCE
Explore the science behind friendship, sisterhood, self-talk, and visualization—how connection and confidence help girls shine from the inside out.
The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness
Source: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (2015)
Summary: This article emphasizes that social connection is a fundamental aspect of human health. It highlights that strong social ties can lead to better mental health outcomes, including reduced depressive symptoms and improved overall well-being.
Mental Health and Well-being in Children: The Protective Role of Resilience, Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Parent-Child Relationship
Source: Psychological Thought (2024)
Summary: This study highlights the importance of self-esteem and self-efficacy in fostering resilience among children aged 9 to 12.I t found that children with higher self-esteem and a belief in their abilities are better equipped to handle challenges and exhibit greater mental resilience.
Creating Connections that Help Young People Thrive
Source: Search Institute (2017)
Summary: Research indicates that children develop confidence through four key experiences: succeeding at tasks, observing others succeed, receiving encouragement, and feeling calm and supported. These experiences help children believe in themselves and tackle new challenges. Practices like affirmations, visualization, and group connection are particularly effective in fostering this confidence.
Women’s Circles and the Rise of the New Feminine: Reclaiming Sisterhood, Spirituality, and Wellbeing
Source: Centre for Research on Culture and Gender (2018)
Summary: This article examines the resurgence of women's circles as spaces for spiritual growth, healing, and empowerment. It discusses how these gatherings foster sisterhood and collective well-being, drawing from historical practices and contemporary movements.
MINDFULNESS + EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Learn how breathwork, grounding, and meditation help girls feel calm, focused, emotionally balanced and keep their nervous systems regulated.
How Four Deep Breaths Can Help Kids Calm Down
Source: Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley (2022)
Summary: A Stanford University study found that taking just a few slow, deep breaths significantly reduces young children's stress response (nervous system activation). This simple practice helps children manage stress and enhances their ability to focus and self-regulate.
Grounding: A Calming Exercise for Children and Teenagers
Source: Raising Children Network (2023)
Summary: Grounding exercises help children and teenagers calm down and manage emotions like anxiety and fear. By focusing on the present moment through sensory awareness, these techniques assist in reducing distress and improving emotional regulation.
Mindfulness in Primary School Children as a Route to Enhanced Life Satisfaction and Positive Behaviour
Source: BMC Psychology (2020)
Summary: This study assessed the long-term effects of a six-week mindfulness program on 9- to 10-year-old children. Results indicated improvements in well-being and emotion regulation, suggesting that mindfulness practices can positively impact children's mental health and behavior.
Guided Imagery: A Technique to Benefit Youth at Risk
Source: National Youth-At-Risk Journal (2017)
Summary: This article discusses how guided imagery can serve as an effective intervention for children facing social, academic, and mental health challenges. By employing imagination and sensory experiences, guided imagery helps children manage stress, enhance self-esteem, and improve overall well-being.
HOLISTIC HEALING PRACTICES
Delve into sound healing, aromatherapy, and other sensory-based practices that support mind-body wellness.
Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-Being
Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine (2016)
Summary: This study examined the effects of Tibetan singing bowl meditation on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual well-being. Participants reported significant reductions in tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood after the meditation session. The findings suggest that singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost, low-technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being.
Does Sound Healing Actually Work?
Source: Verywell Mind (2023)
Summary: This article delves into the practice of sound healing, an ancient technique that employs instruments like chimes, gongs, and singing bowls to promote relaxation and emotional well-being. It discusses how sound healing can slow brain waves, leading to a relaxed, dreamlike state, and may positively affect physical and mental health by reducing stress and enhancing immune function. The piece also highlights the growing popularity of sound healing as a non-invasive approach to self-care.