Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that has been found to help people of all ages be more in control of their breath, emotions and behavior. Grade 2 teacher, Ms. Ellie has participated in professional development in this area with Mindfulschools.org and incorporates this practice into her classroom daily. According to their website, Mindfulness means ‘maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment with openness and curiosity. It has a variety of research-backed impacts, including reduction in stress, and improvements in job satisfaction, emotional regulation, and focus.’
Ms. Ellie recommends this practice for young children as they can bring it with them into stressful situations as they become older too, “I have already noticed changes in students ability to stop and take a breath when they are nervous or overwhelmed with school work. The other day, a few students asked if they could even do some deep breathing the last few minutes before lunch. They really love it!”
Grade 2 student, Jai Jai said “It’s good because it makes you fell calm. When your scared of something, you can a deep breath and then you won’t be scared anymore!”
Join Ms. Ellie for community yoga on Monday’s at 4pm at Wells Bangna if you want to learn more!