Mindfulness

From Scholastic:

"Incorporating a consistent mindfulness practice into your curriculum is great way to promote social and emotional learning in your classroom. It helps students cultivate confidence in life and creates a classroom environment that’s primed for learning. Most importantly, the benefits students gain from practicing mindfulness will have a lasting effect both inside and outside the classroom.

Taking a few minutes each day to encourage your students to “check in” on themselves and reflect on their day can have a tremendous impact in the classroom and on your students’ lives. The benefits of incorporating a mindfulness practice into curriculum include:

• Increased focus and alertness.
• Students will be more interactive.
• It’s refreshing.
• Increased awareness and understanding of one’s feelings and emotions.

As a result, students become more engaged and empowered to learn!"

Mindfulness Breathing

Being able to control your breathing can help you take control of your thoughts and emotions. Slow breathing helps reduce feelings of stress, increases positive emotions, and creates a sense of calm. It's really an important component to practicing your mindfulness. Sometimes, just focusing on your breath can help you get refocused and recharged.

To Practice Proper Breathing:

• Sit in a comfortable position
• Relax your body
• Slowly breathe in
• Hold your breath at the top for 2 seconds
• Slowly breathe out
• Close your eyes if it helps you stay focused
• Repeat