Dear students, as you continue to settle in back into your in-person school routines, there will undoubtedly be challenges after these couple of years of the pandemic, which you most likely have already experienced. These may include trouble focusing for long periods of time, a lack of desire to learn, etc. Remember that every circumstance, especially the challenging ones, are an opportunity to grow within yourself. There is nothing you can’t handle.
Just like we practice multiplication, reading, and writing, we also need to practice strengthening our mental muscles. If we aren’t at peace within ourselves, it can become quite challenging to absorb new information, and reach our potential. Did you know that basic mindfulness techniques have been proven to positively effect and change the brain over time.
Here are some basic tools that can calm your nervous system and make your education (and human) experience more impactful. Use these during any state you may be in. Whether you’re stressed, sad, frustrated, confused, or even when you’re calm, happy, excited, etc. You can do this at any time of the day, wherever you are; it doesn’t have to be in a quiet space, in solitude.
Mindfulness techniques. Focus on any sensation (what you see, feel, hear, taste, or smell) for at least 10 seconds (or around 3 rounds of breath) when you feel uneasy. Some examples:
Rub hands together and feeling all those sensations
Feel your weight in your seat
Feel your feet on the floor as your walk or stand
Focus on something you hear
The sound of someone’s voice
The farthest or nearest thing you hear
Focus on something you see
notice the texture, shapes, and color.
Focus on your breath
Feel the temperature of air coming in and out of your nostrils. Feel how it changes as you exhale through your nose
Feel your stomach rise and fall as you breathe in and out
Journaling. Journaling for even 5 minutes has massive effects on the brain.
Gratitude lists are a great place to start. Start small and write 3 things that you’re grateful for everyday. ( ex. “ I am grateful for my mom & dad”, “I am grateful for my teacher, because they help me with questions I have.” )
