What is "Mindfulness"?
Current studies tragically show that teenagers are society's most stressed-out age group. The pace and stimulation of life today has the brains of many children and adults operating in a constant state of fight or flight. The result is:
Here is the good news - positive emotions and calming stress-resilient emotional states are highly contagious. Reversing the effects of our hectic world is not as monumental of a task as it might seem. Research repeatedly demonstrates that small brain-based mindful habits lead to big stress-resilient results. When we practice mindfulness regularly, the practice stimulates our prefrontal cortex.
WE FEEL:
AND IT IS EASIER FOR US TO:
Current research suggests that mindfulness practices in schools result in reductions in behavior problems and aggression and increased happiness and ability to pay attention (Suttie, 2007). Mindfulness also helps students block out distractions (Kerr, et. al, 2011) and improve memory skills (Zeidan, Johnson, Diamond, David, & Goolkasian, 2010). On an individual level, mindfulness can increase positive emotions, while reducing stress (Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011).
In our classroom, we will promote mindfulness through research-based principles, focusing on mindful breathing, mindful listening, mindful eating, mindful walking, non-judgment/self-acceptance, grounding, patience, letting go, gratitude, and more!
- a significant increase in stress and anxiety at younger and younger ages
- difficulties with attention and concentration
- problems with physical health
- a decreased sense of happiness
Here is the good news - positive emotions and calming stress-resilient emotional states are highly contagious. Reversing the effects of our hectic world is not as monumental of a task as it might seem. Research repeatedly demonstrates that small brain-based mindful habits lead to big stress-resilient results. When we practice mindfulness regularly, the practice stimulates our prefrontal cortex.
WE FEEL:
- happier
- healthier
- calmer
- less anxious
- less stressed
AND IT IS EASIER FOR US TO:
- concentrate
- think clearly
- make intelligent decisions
Current research suggests that mindfulness practices in schools result in reductions in behavior problems and aggression and increased happiness and ability to pay attention (Suttie, 2007). Mindfulness also helps students block out distractions (Kerr, et. al, 2011) and improve memory skills (Zeidan, Johnson, Diamond, David, & Goolkasian, 2010). On an individual level, mindfulness can increase positive emotions, while reducing stress (Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011).
In our classroom, we will promote mindfulness through research-based principles, focusing on mindful breathing, mindful listening, mindful eating, mindful walking, non-judgment/self-acceptance, grounding, patience, letting go, gratitude, and more!
