Mindfulness and Wellbeing
It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much. Paying more attention to the present moment, to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you, can improve your mental wellbeing.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. It's easy to stop noticing the world around us. It's also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living "in our heads", caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour.
An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means paying attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs.
Studies show that mindfulness can help with stress, anxiety and depression. More research is needed to show whether it helps with other mental health conditions.
Tips for wellbeing
There are other steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. Learn more here about the 5 steps to wellbeing.
You can also get your FREE Mind Plan HERE for personalised mental wellbeing tips and advice to your email inbox.
Week 1
Starter – On the field, we listened to relaxation music whilst listening to all the sounds around us. We were able to recognise and feel our bodies relaxing.
Activity – We practiced together first, how we can use our 5 senses to relax and calm ourselves. We then decorated a Mindful Minute book mark with the 5 senses and actions on so we could keep as a reminder.
End – For the first week, we just listened to the song, Proud, by Heather Small and took note of the words. We then thought about what the things we had done that day that made us feel proud. Everyone was provide with a copy of the lyrics so they can practice but also look at the words to understand them.
Week 2
Starter – Same as week 1 but we stayed in the library as the weather was bad.
Activity – Yoga was the theme this week. Using ‘Be like a tree’ from the Unhurry Book , we learnt to feel our body relaxing and how it makes the mind feel. Once we finished, we had a sheet with different poses on to try. The children were able to take these home to use and share with others.
End – We chose to either listen or sing along to Proud. Again, thinking of what we have done that we are proud of. We then chose whether to share with the group or not.
Week 3
Starter – Same Week 1 and 2
Activity – This week we used the Unhurry book again and looked at meditation and how this can help us keep calm and relaxed. Then we looked at some Brain Break Breathing cards which the children took home to allow them to use as and when they needed.
End - Same as Week 1 and 2
Week 4
Starter - Same as Week 1, 2 and 3.
Activity - This week we looked at creating a safe and calm space we can go to in our heads, when we are feeling worried, upset or just need some time away from reality. We designed an Unworry Island from the Unworry Book
End - Same as Week 1, 2 and 3
Week 5
Starter - Same as week 1, 2, 3 and 4
Activity - We continued with the Unworry Island whist sat outside. Everyone sat so peacefully, listening to what was around them, feeling their bodies relax and calm, allowing them to focus on their Islands.
End - We finished this week by sharing what we had done over the past weeks and what each one of us got out of it and will take away with them. This was such a good reflection time for everyone. We then ended with the song, PROUD