Student Wellbeing

Mindfulness

Our minds are constantly active, we are always thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness allows us to focus on what is happening right now. You can be mindful of what is happening internally, how your breath makes your chest rise and fall, or how an emotion feels within your body. You can also focus on what is going on around you, how the sun feels on your skin, the smell of your coffee or the sound of the birds.

When you practice mindfulness, you generally feel calmer, more focussed, and better able to concentrate. In moments of stress, you are able to stop, relax, see things more clearly and make better decisions. 

Practicing mindfulness with children allows them to better manage stressors as they get older.

How can we incorporate mindfulness into the lives of children

• Colouring is a great way to get your child to focus on a task
• Walking through nature, noticing the sounds, the smells and colours
• Listening to music and focussing on the instruments or lyrics
• Breathing- noticing the rise and fall of the chest and stomach Breathing exercises: kids, teens & parents | Raising Children Network
• Grounding can help children calm down and manage emotions Grounding exercise for children & teens | Raising Children Network
• Muscle relaxation helps children to feel calm and physically relaxed Muscle relaxation for children & parents | Raising Children Network.