Wellbeing Officer
Mindfulness...
...It's a topic we hear lot about nowadays. But what is it really? And why is it beneficial?
Mindfulness means using your 5 senses to engage with the world around you. It means slowing down to really notice what you're doing. Being mindful is the opposite of rushing or multitasking. When you're mindful, you're taking your time. You're focusing in a relaxed, easy way.
In this season, its no surprise that some of our young people have some anxiety and stress of their own. While it can be difficult to see our children struggle with the causes and symptoms of stress, there are things we can do to help them.
One way we can help is by supporting them to learn to use mindfulness strategies. Being mindful can help kids learn to calm down, relax and re-focus, in the face of worry, anxiety, frustration, anger – or any big emotion. It can help them to be more aware of the way their body reacts physically and emotionally to overwhelming feelings and emotions.
You could try these strategies out:
Just breathe:
- Find a relaxing place where you and your child will not be disturbed.
- Sit in a comfortable posture, either with your legs folded or any comfortable posture
- Breathe deeply in and out. Notice how the breath feels as it moves in and out of your body. Notice how the air feels on your skin.
- Pay attention to any sensations that you notice or any sounds that you hear.
Heart beat
- Have your child jump up and down, doing star jumps for one minute
- Once they stop, ask them to stand still and place their fingers on their pulse and count.
Glitter Jar
- ¾ fill a mason jar with water,
- add some the clear glue, food colouring and glitter. Replace the lid and shake.
Go on a Safari
- Take some time to go for a walk outdoors.
- See what insects you can see, flowers you can find and talk about them together.
Here are some apps to use on your tablets or phone too:
Smiling Mind: Smiling Mind meditation programs are designed to assist people of various ages in dealing with any challenges or stresses of daily life. The app has an extensive library of meditations to use with children aged 7-12 years, teens and adults. It’s well worth the listen! And it's free!
Stop, Breathe & Think Kids: This app includes a series of short, video meditation “missions” within seven categories – quiet, focus, caring and connecting, energizing, meltdown, open mind, and sleep. Its visually quite good and easy to use. For kids 5+. Free.
Three Good Things – A Happiness Journal: Increase happiness and positivity by spending a little time each day to record three good things that happened in the day. Easy to use and great for tweens and teens. Free.
Calming Bottle: A swirling bottle of virtual glitter to watch as you breathe. Users can change to colour and the time it takes for the glitter to settle. For ages 4+. Free.
I hope you can take a moment for you this week. Please stay safe and warm, and I hope to see you all around the school soon!
Blessings,
Kathryn x
Wellbeing Officer