This is Room 23 practicing our 'Mindful Breathing'. Most days after lunch we all come inside and either choose a book to read quietly, or lay on a pillow and practise our Mindful Breathing. We have discussed a number of situations where we might use our Mindful Breathing in everyday life, and the children have identified certain emotions where it may come in handy. Such as if we are feeling angry, anxious, frustrated, over excited or stressed out. I have even seen a few of them put it in to action and it works brilliantly.
The benefits of mindfulness are not just anecdotal: A growing body of scientific research shows its positive effects on mental health and well-being. Practicingmindfulness has been shown to improve attention and reduce stress as well as increase one's ability to regulate emotions and feel compassion and empathy.