Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults can better understand, manage, and express emotions and empathy, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL curricula teach children techniques that help them gain confidence, set and achieve positive goals, collaborate well, and navigate the world more effectively—adding a highly valuable dimension to education in the classroom.
This five-step exercise can be very helpful during periods of anxiety or panic by helping to ground you in the present when your mind is bouncing around between various anxious thoughts.
When you take air in through your nose, it travels into your lungs. If you take a shallow breath, only the chest cavity expands. Breathing deeply involves more of your body — the diaphragm contracts and both the belly and chest cavity expand. Belly breathing and the “fight or flight” response to stress or anxiety (two feelings we all experience) can’t occur at the same time. When our bodies switch into “fight or flight” mode, we engage in shallow breathing. We’re ready for battle. On the other hand, belly breathing reduces our heart rate and triggers a relaxation response. It slows us down.
When we have too many thoughts or negative thoughts it can make us feel overwhelmed, worried or angry. This thought bubble exercise is a mindfulness practice to help you learn how to control your thoughts.