By Fiona Gilbert
You might have heard the words ‘mindful’ and ‘mindfulness’ used in lots of different contexts: mindful living, mindfulness at play, mindful eating, to name a few.
But what does mindfulness really mean?
Mindfulness, or being mindful, is simply being aware of the present moment: paying attention to what is happening in the ‘now’.
Sounds easy, right? You would think!
But being mindful is a skill that takes time and practice, and for kids, learning this skill and applying it to their daily lives at a young age can have a profound impact on their overall wellbeing that will last a lifetime.
In today’s fast-paced society, children face more stress and anxiety than ever before.
The pressures of school, social media, and the general stresses of day-to-day life are all having a significant impact on children’s overall emotional well-being.
The statistics surrounding mental health in young people are concerning: according to a study by Beyond Blue, half of all the mental health conditions experienced in life will have started by age 14.
More than 75 percent of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.
Throughout 2020, 13.9 percent of children aged 4 to 17 years met the criteria for a diagnosis of a mental disorder and Covid exacerbated these issues.
But there is hope!
Today, adults and children are much more accepting and open to seeking help and support. Whether it is through seeing a doctor, psychologist, or counsellor, by meditating, participating in mindfulness practice, or being involved in a wellness program, it is much more common to talk about our feelings rather than conceal them, and this is certainly a step in the right direction.
Mindfulness is one important strategy that children can use to support their well-being.
Using mindfulness as a preventative tool rather than an intervention tool, and taking the time to practice mindfulness regularly, is extremely effective for children, as their brains and bodies are still developing so they are much more open and accepting to forming new habits.
The positive outcomes of regular mindfulness practice have been well-researched, and children can experience a range of benefits including increased ability to regulate their emotions, improved attention and focus, a greater capacity to manage their reactions when faced with challenging situations, increased resilience, improved relationships, and a greater awareness of themselves and others.
While many believe mindfulness is a serious practice where people are required to sit still for long periods, this is not necessarily the case.
Short bouts of meditation can be just as effective as longer bouts. You don’t even have to sit still! Mindful moments can occur anytime, whether you’re out in the park, brushing your teeth, or taking your dog for a walk.
As long as you are aware and noticing what you are doing at that particular moment, you are being mindful.
The more the skill is practiced, the easier it will be to incorporate it into everyday life.
If we want to get kids to form these positive habits, making mindfulness fun and accessible can be much more effective than setting aside a designated time to practice.
Maybe you and your child could start today – when walking down the street, instead of mentally planning what’s for dinner, try to notice what is happening around you and talk about you what can hear, what you can feel, what you can smell with your child. It will only take a moment, but it could be the start of a new way of thinking.
