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Mindfulness is a technique that is used by many to improve focus and reduce the overwhelming thoughts that are brought on by mental health issues such as anxiety. Many physical benefits also come from exercising mindfulness such as reduced blood pressure, chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems and improved sleep. It aims to bring individuals back to the present with techniques that utilise the five senses. We have teamed up with a boarding school in Hertfordshire to share a few ways that you can explore mindfulness with your child.
Muscle Relaxation
This technique involves being mindful of how the body feels. In muscle relaxation, we pay attention to the different muscles in the body and how they feel when contracted and relaxed. Start with a simple breathing exercise where your child breathes into a count of three and out to the same before asking them to tense a part of their body. This should be held for around 5 to 10 seconds before being released. This should be repeated until they reach the toes, during which you should ask your child to think about what they can feel.
Using The Heartbeat
The heartbeat is another thing that you can use to exercise mindfulness with your child. This involves getting them to monitor their own heartbeat with their pulse after physical exercise. During the activity, encourage your child to be mindful of how the heart pumps blood around the body to deliver oxygen and how it feels as they catch their breath.
Mindful Eating
We can all appreciate good food and mindful eating involves tuning into the five senses to do this. Get your child to pay close attention to what their food looks like, how it feels, tastes and smells and any sounds that they can hear while tucking in. A great way to bring them back to the present moment.
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