From Chaos to Calm: Using mindful movement to navigate life’s challenges
What is mindfulness?
From social media to showing up for our loved ones, doing well at work and taking care of ourselves. We are increasingly pulled in so many different directions. Staying present and paying attention to ourselves and the life around us is a scarce feeling.
“The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.
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Mindfulness in practice
Mindfulness can be applied to any activity. This can include everyday exercise, walking, brushing your teeth, swimming, running, sitting still, eating, listening and of course yoga.
Benefits
Reducing stress and anxiety
Promotes relaxation
Can provide quality sleep at night
Greater resilience
Improving wellbeing
Better emotional regulation
Managing anxiety better
Mindfulness for parents and children
Parents can take a few moments with their child(ren) at home, find a spot, sit outside or inside and use their senses to take note of their surroundings:
What can you hear? Cars? Birds? People?
What can you smell? Perfume? Flowers? Food?
What can you feel? The grass beneath you? What do your hands feel like?
What can you see? What colours draw your attention?
What can you taste? Are you thirsty? Is your tongue relaxed?
Mindfulness at school
At school, learners are constantly sitting in their chairs so here is a quick tip teachers can implement in 5 easy steps:
Have learners stand behind their chairs.
Gently shake their bodies to release any tiredness and tension.
As they breathe in, stretch their arms above their head and reach for the sky.
Breathing out, they slowly bring their arms down to their sides.
Take in one last big breath, close their eyes and let out a deep sigh.
Remember that you can be mindful in all activities throughout the day. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can support children in finding inner balance, reducing stress, and connecting more deeply with their bodies and minds.
Written By
Tsakani Baloyi, Teacher graduate and Umi team member