Mindfulness is an essential tool for happiness and wellbeing – and it’s great for littles, too. Leah Chandler from Kids Fit Australia shares these mindfulness tips for kids.
By Leah Chandler
Mindfulness is a big thing when it comes to the health and happiness in adults, but did you know that it’s great for the littles, too? By purposefully choosing to live in the present moment, mindfulness can bring a greater sense of clarity, consciousness and happiness to our daily lives.
But these skills take a little practice to master. So, teaching kids how to do it and having it ingrained in their day-to-day is one of the best lessons we can teach them.
“BY PURPOSEFULLY CHOOSING TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT, MINDFULNESS CAN BRING A GREATER SENSE OF CLARITY, CONSCIOUSNESS AND HAPPINESS TO OUR DAILY LIVES.”
1. Take two minutes to start your day
When you wake up, be on your own and for two minutes.
Lie or sit down and close your eyes and focus on breathing slowly in and out and from the bottom of your belly.
Pay attention to how your body and mind are feeling today.
2. Be grateful
Each day, write a list of 5 things that you are grateful for and then close your eyes and imagine each one and why you are grateful for it.
3. Focus on your food
Eat slowly and focus on taste, texture and savour your food.
Try this at least once a day to practice mindful eating, which means you will be more aware of what you are eating and why!
4. Take 3 deep breaths
Take 3 mindful breaths before doing homework, tests, participating in competitions or feeling stressed at school.
Breathe in and out slowly and breath from the bottom of the belly. This will help your nerves and you will become more focused.
5. Take time for yourself
Have a few minutes to yourself each day, especially when you feel tired or overloaded.
Go for a walk through a garden or park (always take a parent or big sibling with you so they can help you stay safe, even if they sit away from you).
Or just hang out in your room or the backyard and relax and breathe. It is a great way to bring your mind and body back to calm state, especially after a big day at school.
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