Children are distracted with so many things In this modern digital world. Advertisers are trying to get their attention to sell products. Social media is making them so confused. How can they focus on studies or what they want to achieve in life?
Mindfulness has been recognised as one of the best options for kids and teens to stay focused, eliminate negative thoughts and become a successful person.
What is mindfulness?
In a nutshell, mindfulness is living in the present moment. Which means children are aware of what’s happening inside their mind and outside, around them. This helps them to take control of their lives.
It is important not to get confused or mixed-up mindfulness with other type of meditations. Majority of other meditations are trying to focus on one thing at a time and trying to stop or not to pay attention on other thoughts. Mindfulness is different. Mindfulness is a “watcher” of any thought coming to your mind.
Benefits of mindfulness for children
Many studies have been conducted on impact of mindfulness practice, especially on children. These studies have found following benefits:
– Reduce stress, especially stress due to education and examinations.
– Reduce negative thinking.
– Increase self-esteem and self-image.
– Increase focus.
– Increase confidence level.
– Better grades and scores in examinations.
Mindfulness based education
Though the benefits have been identified beyond doubt, unfortunately mindfulness-based education is not yet popular in the education sector. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge among the teaching community around the world. Some countries are better compared to others.
Responsible authorities in the education sector must work on how to bring mindfulness into the education system. This will be a revolution in how we educate children.
Steps To Follow
1. Pray – be alone, be still and pray to God who loves you unconditionally. Solidify your connection with Him and use His power to make you a better person.
2. Focus & Seek Perfection – Studies have found that tasks take 50% longer with 50% more errors when multi-tasking, so consider “uni-tasking”, with breaks in between, whenever possible. Do each task well, and seek perfection in it.
3. Conserve Your Energy – Savour the process, whether it’s writing a report, drinking a cup of tea, or cleaning out closets. Deliberate and thoughtful attention to daily actions promotes healthy focus and can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
4. Eat Mindfully & Appreciate Your Food – Eating your meal without the TV, computer or paper in front of you, where you can truly taste and enjoy what you’re eating, is good, not only for your body, but for your soul as well. Appreciate how much energy has gone into the food that you are eating. Right from the farmers field to your plate.
5. Switch Devices Off – With all of the media at our fingertips, we can easily be on information overload. Set boundaries for screen time – with designated times for social networking (even set an alarm) – and do your best to keep mobile devices out of reach at bedtime. If you really don’t need the device on, switch it off and put it in a drawer out of sight.
6. Move Regularly – Whether it’s walking, weight lifting, or just pottering around your garden, become aware of your body’s sensations by moving and enjoy those sensations that make you healthy.
7. Align Yourself With Nature – Take walks through a park, the woods, mountain trails or by the beach – wherever you can be outside. Getting outdoors is good for body, mind and spirit, and keeps you in the present. If you have a garden, make it into your Garden of Eden – invest heavily in it. Gardening is truly the very best hobby there is!
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