What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that helps us to focus on the present, rather than the past or future. Learning to be more present in the moment is a critical skill, especially in today's fast paced world. When we work on this practice, we can actually improve our focus, strengthen our emotional control, increase positive feelings, and bring calm to our everyday lives. It's important to note that learning to be mindful doesn't happen after one activity or lesson. The idea is that it is a "practice" because it is something we are always improving.
Mindfulness is a practice that helps us to focus on the present, rather than the past or future. Learning to be more present in the moment is a critical skill, especially in today's fast paced world. When we work on this practice, we can actually improve our focus, strengthen our emotional control, increase positive feelings, and bring calm to our everyday lives. It's important to note that learning to be mindful doesn't happen after one activity or lesson. The idea is that it is a "practice" because it is something we are always improving.
Mindfulness Strategies
Controlled Breathing (Deep Breathing) means we purposefully change the rate at which we inhale and exhale our breaths.
Remember: Breathe in through your nose & out through your mouth. Click on the YouTube video below to practice.
Remember: Breathe in through your nose & out through your mouth. Click on the YouTube video below to practice.
Thinking of a Happy Place (visualizing a special place) means we push away all of our anxieties and stresses and turn our focus to a special, calm place in our minds. Use all of your senses to connect with the place. Watch the video for step by step directions. |
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Grounding means we ground our bodies
and minds in the here and now. It helps us
remember where we are and what's happening
right now instead of getting lost in the worry,
anxiety, anger, frustrations or any other feelings
you may be having.
Grounding means we ground our bodies
and minds in the here and now. It helps us
remember where we are and what's happening
right now instead of getting lost in the worry,
anxiety, anger, frustrations or any other feelings
you may be having.
Yoga-combination of stretching and paying attention to breathing for a great way to relax and destress.
- The first video is by Cosmic Kids and is Minecraft themed. Check out their other videos on YouTube.
- The second video is by Yoga4Classrooms where she will demonstrate 3 Warrior poses.
- The third video is by Jill from Stars in Motion from right here in Desoto County made especially for all of our students who attend Desoto County Schools. Recommended for grades 3-6. Big shoutout to Paige Fetters, counselor at Oak Grove Central Elementary for making this happen.
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Coloring a Mandala or Zen Doodle Design can help us shift our focus away from our worries, stresses and frustrations. Because the designs have many details and we're focusing on making the colors or patterns symmetrical, all of our attention can be pulled away from what's going on in the world around us. I have attached a couple of pages but you can google and find tons of different designs.
Sealife coloring sheet
Rainbows and Hearts coloring sheet
Pawprint coloring sheet
Sealife coloring sheet
Rainbows and Hearts coloring sheet
Pawprint coloring sheet
Drawing-Some people find drawing and doodling very relaxing and calming.
- The first video is #DrawWithRob. Rob Biddulph writes and illustrates picture books. He has several videos showing you how to draw some of the characters in his books.
- The second video is the first in a series to Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems. He is a famous author who has written many books which includes the Pigeon series. He has received various Honors and Awards. In addition to writing, he is also an animator. I am attaching his first doodling video but you can go to YouTube and check out his 10+ videos in this series.
- Captain Underpants Writer/Illustrator Dav Pilkey Will Host Virtual Drawing Lessons and Readings beginning in April. Check out the link for more information.
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Replaying a Happy Memory is a strategy to use when you want to refocus your mind. Think of the happiest memory you can think of. In your mind, picture the event or situation again. Replay the whole thing in your mind. Picture every little detail. Here's what to do:
What is your happy memory?
Who were the people there?
What was the scene?
What were the little details?
What is your happy memory?
Who were the people there?
What was the scene?
What were the little details?
Positive Self-Talk Do you ever talk to yourself? Aloud or in your head? Talking to ourselves can help us to defeat our worries. Positive self-talk is what we can say to ourselves to take the attention off of worry and focus it on what is real and true. Positive self-talk builds us up. What sort of things can you say to yourself?
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Worry Warrior Videos by Counselor Keri
Worry Warriors: What Exactly is Worry? #2
Worry Warriors: What Does Worry Feel Like in My Body? #3
Worry Warriors: Can I Control That Thing I'm Worrying About? #4
Worry Warriors: What Can I Do If I Feel Out of Control? #5
Worry Warriors: How Does Worry Affect Me? #6
Worry Warriors: How Can I Tell If My Worries are Legit? #7
Worry Warriors: How Can I Change My Worries? Practicing Cognitive Restructuring #8
Worry Warriors: Give Yourself a Confidence Boost with Positive Self Talk Practice! #9
Worry Warriors: Reaching Out for Support. #10
Worry Warriors: What Does Worry Feel Like in My Body? #3
Worry Warriors: Can I Control That Thing I'm Worrying About? #4
Worry Warriors: What Can I Do If I Feel Out of Control? #5
Worry Warriors: How Does Worry Affect Me? #6
Worry Warriors: How Can I Tell If My Worries are Legit? #7
Worry Warriors: How Can I Change My Worries? Practicing Cognitive Restructuring #8
Worry Warriors: Give Yourself a Confidence Boost with Positive Self Talk Practice! #9
Worry Warriors: Reaching Out for Support. #10
mindful_moments_happy_place.mp4 | |
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mindful_moments_grounding.mp4 | |
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mindful_moments_exercise.mp4 | |
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mindful_moments_coloring.mp4 | |
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mindful_moments_replaying_a_happy_memory.mp4 | |
File Size: | 8823 kb |
File Type: | mp4 |