Student Wellbeing

 Mindfulness Activities 

Mindfulness is noticing what is happening right now in the present moment. When children and young people notice what is happening around them, it can help them to calm down, especially if they are feeling sad, angry or frustrated. Mindfulness can help them deal with difficult emotions, and can help them feel happy and feel good. A simple mindful breathing activity is a good place to start. Then try activities focussed on the senses, which are also included in this book (e.g., mindful eating and mindful walking). Introduce mindfulness exercises when things are calm and participants in a good space. Mindfulness activities are a great way to connect as a family. Try this activity at home.

Mindful hand washing

 Washing your hands is always important to keep you healthy and safe. Washing your hands provides a great time to practice mindfulness and to be in the present moment. Instructions:

 1. Turn on the water and listen to the sound it makes as it comes out of the tap and goes down the drain. 

2. As you put soap on your hands, think in your head or say out loud what it feels like.

 3. As you rub the soap together in your hands, notice how slippery it is. Do you see bubbles coming up between your fingers? 

4. Now remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds. While you are doing this: a. focus on your hands and what the soap and water feel like b. listen to the sound of the water and any other sounds you can hear around you. 

5. As you wash the soap off your hands, watch the bubbles and the water going down the drain – imagine your worries going down the drain with the water.

 6. As you dry your hands on a hand towel, notice the feeling of the towel on your hands – is it soft? Or scratchy?

 7. When your hands are dry, take a moment to think. Now your hands are clean, you are ready for your next task. How does that make you feel? 

8. If you are still worried about anything, talk to someone at your home or at school about it - it always helps to talk to someone else about how you're feeling

Regards

Jenny Willmott

jwillmott@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au

Deputy Principal/ Student Wellbeing Leader