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Mindfulness to Strengthen Self-Awareness

Tags

Social-Emotional Learning All Ages Strategy

Skills

Anxiety Flexible Thinking Self-regulation Attention

Mindfulness to Strengthen Self-Awareness

Mindfulness is an alternative to yoga and meditation which focuses on helping students be more aware and respectful of their feelings, thoughts, beliefs and behaviors with the objective of managing emotions and self-regulating behavior.

How To Apply It!

  1. In a quiet space, observe your feelings, thoughts, urges, physical sensations and behaviors. Consider how your environment might be affecting you.
  2. Describe your observations. Words make those observations clear to you and to others.
  3. Be non-judgmental in your observations. Focus on what "is" rather than whether it is good or bad. This will allow you to be more open to new and different observations.
  4. Focus on one idea or thought at a time. Work to let go of distracting or competing thoughts and hold your attention on one idea at a time.
  5. After you have practiced the steps above in non-stressful times, use them when you are in a difficult or emotional moment. Be mindful in the moment and focus on what the situation requires of you to avoid over-reacting or responding impulsively.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

There is an ever-growing body of research on the positive effects of mindfulness for emotional health. Mindfulness is known to decrease impulsive behavior, "stuck" behavior, anxiety and depression and improve mood, enjoyment and coping skills.