MINDFULNESS & WELLBEING
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is noticing you are alive. Mindfulness helps to train your attention to be more aware of life around you. It is the act of bringing greater curiosity to everything one experiences in their life, which can be tremendously beneficial to your wellbeing.
What is involved in mindfulness ?
With consistent practice, you could.
Stepping back from habitual activity and the persistent chatter of the mind.
Direct our attention to what is happening in the present moment.
Noticing breathing, physical sensations, thoughts, emotions. Even everyday activities such as drinking a cup of tea/juice or walking.
Benefits
The evidence base for mindfulness is very positive. Brain imaging studies show that consistent mindfulness practice profoundly alter the structure of the brain to improve the quality of thought, feeling and empathy for others.
Helps young people to recognise and appreciate what is going well in their lives
Recognise worry from such things as tests and being able to cope more easily.
Develops a greater knowledge of relationships and how to manage them
Improves children’s ability to concentrate better and be less distracted.
Be able to self regulate and manage impulsivity, which will reduce conflicts and oppositional behaviour.
Being mindful every day.
Mindful eating - get children to notice the food before putting it into their mouths. While food is in their mouth, notice textures and taste. Chew carefully and notice what happens when the food is swallowed
Movement - remind children to be mindful when exercising. Research shows that focusing on the part of the body you want improved while exercising makes a difference
Talking to a friend or family member. Completely focusing on the conversation at hand can really make a difference to how someone feels and really let’s the person know that they matter.
For evidence based research about mindfulness please check out the link
mindfulnessinschools.org to find out more.