Importance of Mindfulness for Students

Mindfulness is an excellent skill for children, teens, and adults alike. Learn what it is and why you should engage in it with CCA today.

People at every age and stage of their life experience anxiety and stress. These emotions are natural, but there are coping strategies you can use to reduce their intensity and calm down. One such method is mindfulness. Mindfulness describes the calming, centering technique of being present in the moment instead of looking to the past or worrying about the future.

Mindfulness is based on Buddhist practices designed to help settle the mind and reflect on your inner workings. Perhaps the most widely known example of mindfulness is meditation, though many people (and children especially) find meditation a challenge to jump into. Luckily, there are plenty of other methods to engage your children in this essential skill.

For example, nature and mindfulness often go hand in hand. Many people find peace while outdoors, taking in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the trees and animals moving around them. Whether it's a brisk jog around the park or simply sitting outside for a few minutes, going outside can help kids tune into their bodies and feelings.

Similarly, engaging the senses is another great way to practice mindfulness. Encourage your child to slow down and taste every bite of their dinner or really focus on the way a candle smells after you light it. Finally, the easiest way to be mindful of yourself is by simply concentrating on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths have a calming effect on the mind and can help your child clear their thoughts.

The benefits of mindfulness include more than relieving stress and anxiety. Students who practice mindfulness have been shown to have an improved attention span and better focus, as well as better social and emotional intelligence. It can increase memory retention and cognitive performance while reducing perfectionism, allowing children to reach their full potential.

Timestamps

[0:00] Introduction

[0:19] What is mindfulness?

[0:39] How can my child practice mindfulness?

[1:10] The benefits of mindfulness

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