Mindfulness

How:

Gratitude can be practiced by prek students all the way through adulthood. There are a number of ways you can practice mindfulness . . . from keeping a journal to breathing techniques.

Gratitude Journal. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you physically record what you are grateful for and help you see the positivity that is around you. This will help during the time of self-isolation. Starting a gratitude journal doesn’t have to be hard . . . all you have to do is:

Each day write ONE thing you’re grateful for at the top of your page

List out 5 reasons why you’re grateful for it

It is important to make is a daily ritual. Perhaps having all the kids in the family share what they are grateful for every day will help them see that there are still good things in their lives despite the circumstances we are in right now.

Take a deep breath. Breathing deeply will stretch the inner and outer muscles of your ribs and strengthen your diaphragm. Deep breaths help not only to deal with anxiety, but also to keep your lungs strong in response to possible infection. Belly breathing is a good way to help with relaxation when you are feeling stressed. Here is how you can practice belly breathing:

1. Sit or lie flat in a comfortable position.

2. Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest.

3. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.

4. Breathe out through pursed lips as if you were whistling. Feel the hand on your belly go in, and use it to push all the air out.

5. Do this breathing 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath.

6. Notice how you feel at the end of the exercise.

Smiling Mind App – This FREE app provides 10 min (max) guided meditation for all ages. Meditation helps to create calm, reduce worry and anxiety and to enjoy more energy and better sleep! You can meditate using this app as an individual, as a classroom or as a family. Check it out!