Why mindfulness is important
If you're like most parents, you're always looking for ways to help your child succeed. But did you know that one of the best things you can do is teach them mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that can help us to be more present in our lives and to better connect with our children. It is a way of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment, and with acceptance. Mindfulness can help us to tune into our own needs and emotions, as well as those of our children. It can also help us to manage difficult situations with more grace and ease. When we are mindful, we are able to see things more clearly and make decisions from a place of wisdom rather than reactivity. If you're interested in learning more about mindfulness and how it can benefit you and your kids, read on!
How mindfulness helps mental health
In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever for children to learn the importance of mindfulness. From a young age, children are bombarded with stimulation from all directions - TV, movies, video games, social media, and so on. As a result, they often have trouble focusing on one thing at a time and may become easily overwhelmed or stressed. Mindfulness can help children to learn to focus on the present moment and to be aware of their thoughts and feelings.
It can help to declutter their minds and reduce stress levels. Numerous studies have shown that being mindful can help to improve mental health, by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. In one study, participants who took a mindfulness-based stress reduction course reported reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. They also had increased levels of self-esteem and self-compassion. In another study, people who practised mindfulness showed reduced activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls the fight-or-flight response. This suggests that mindfulness can be an effective tool for reducing
stress levels and helping to calm the nervous system. If you're looking for a way to improve your child’s mental wellbeing, mindfulness could be a simple but powerful tool that can help them from a young age, to cope with the challenges of daily life and to develop into well-rounded adults.
Mindfulness activities for kids
1. Mindfulness guided meditation
Practising mindfulness to start the day is the perfect way for your kids to wake up with a positive attitude and great energy. Meditation is one of the best ways to do this. It can help them to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start their day. It enables your kids to focus their thoughts, connect with their inner selves and find calmness. By starting the morning with a meditation practice, your kids will be better able to face the challenges of the day with confidence. Plus, they'll be better able to enjoy the good moments without getting caught up in negativity.
There are many different ways to meditate, so it's important to find a method that works for your child depending on their age. You’ll find millions of meditative mindfulness videos all over YouTube, including this one which is great for younger. Our other blog about meditation provides more information about the benefits of it as well as some great resources for getting started. With a little patience and practice, your kids will be on their way to a more peaceful and centred state of mind.
2. Write in a gratitude and mindfulness journal together!Sit together with your little ones and relax and wind down at the end of the day with your gratitude journal with affirmations. This Mindful Dreams notebook will help you and your children to bring the dreams of their lives into reality. It's filled with positive affirmations that motivate them, as well as 'Mummy & Me' Gratitude Journals so they can learn how important it is to have gratitude and be thankful for everything they have.
Your child will have lots of fun reading and colouring the affirmations in this 6-ring see through binder! They are a great way for them to practice loving and believing in themselves.
3. Therapeutic art & crafts for kidsOne simple and enjoyable mindfulness activity is colouring. When kids focus on colouring, they are completely in the moment, and that can help them to relax and be more present. Mindfulness colouring pages are a great way to help kids express their feelings and process emotions. The act of putting colour to paper can be therapeutic, and it can provide an outlet for kids who might be feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
Printable activities are a great way for kids to practise mindfulness. From colouring and puzzles to crafts and more, there's something for every age. Our printables blog is a great resource to read more about them and why they’re so fab! Get these fun shaped handmade crayons for even more excitement!
This Bath bomb making kit activity for children is also another lovely mindful activity. They're colourful, fun, and they offer a unique sensory experience that is both relaxing and invigorating. The process of measuring, mixing, and moulding the ingredients helps to promote focus and concentration. After creating them, you can use them to have a peaceful and relaxing bath with your little ones to end a hectic day. A useful tip is to also play some meditative music or some affirmations in the background as you watch the bath bombs fizz around in the water!
4. Mindfulness breathing exercisesMindful breathing is a way of paying attention to your breath. You focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. You might notice the rise and fall of your stomach or chest, or the feeling of air passing through your nose. It’s great and simple way to start introducing mindfulness to your kids without overwhelming them, especially since it can be challenging to start with meditation, particularly for your very young munchkins who are so fidgety and can’t concentrate for too long.
Mindful breathing can help you and your little ones feel calm and relaxed. It’s a good way to take a break from stress or worrying. Kids can practice mindful breathing anywhere, at any time. For example, they might take a few deep breaths before starting a class or test, or when they're feeling frustrated or angry. All you need to do is find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Then, close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath. Pay attention to the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. If your mind wanders, that’s OK—just gently bring your attention back to your breath. Keep breathing mindfully for as long as you like. You can practice mindful breathing for just a few minutes, or for much longer. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just breathe!
5. Mindfulness yogaYoga is an excellent way to introduce mindfulness to children. The many different physical body postures help kids to connect with their bodies and focus on their breathing. As they move through the poses, they learn to focus on the present moment and let go of distractions. They become mindful of their thoughts and emotions and as a result, learn how to control and regulate them. This is especially useful if your child is feeling stressed or anxious.
Yoga can be a very fun and interactive way for you and your kids to connect and bond as you practice the poses together.
We hope you enjoyed our mindfulness activities for kids! Mindfulness is such an important tool for kids to learn early on. It can help with everything from emotional regulation to stress management to focus and concentration. We think it’s so important that every kid has a chance to learn about mindfulness and try out some of these fun activities.
And if you have any favourite mindfulness activities of your own that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear about them!