Introducing Stix Mindful Mondays, a weekly blog that delves into facts, stats, tips and techniques on mindfulness, wellbeing, and some secrets to happiness. We're going to provide you with the essentials to kickstart your week on a positive note!
This week we’re going to start off simple: Let’s talk about mindfulness – what it is, why it matters, and how it can become your secret weapon in the chaos of everyday life.
What is mindfulness?
To put it simply, mindfulness is a state of mind where you are present in the current moment. It is about being aware of what is going on right here, right now, and not reacting to it; simply observing.
There are lots of techniques we can use to support mindfulness, such as deep breathing, body scanning and mindful movements. They all focus on being present in what is happening in the present moment.
Why Mindfulness, Why Now?
Do you ever get to the end of a week and think 'wow, this week has flown by'? Our world rarely slows down, so in order to make sure we don't lose sight on what's going on around us, we have to learn to be present in the moment so we can take it all in.
Learning how to tune in to the present moment can help us slow the pace of life down a notch, helping us focus, reduce stress, and sets the stage for a more balanced life.
Quick Doses of Mindfulness
Each of our upcoming blogs will aim to leave you with something practical to take away, so for our first Mindful Monday blog, here are three quick mindfulness exercises that won't require a change in your schedule or a pilgrimage to a mountain top:
Mindful Breathing: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Inhale, exhale – focus on the sensation. It's like a reset button for your mind.
Mindful Movement: Wiggle your toes, stretch your arms, or take a short walk. Mindful movement isn't about complicated yoga poses; it's about reconnecting with your body in the simplest ways, and noticing how it feels.
Mindful Sleep Practices: Create a calming bedtime routine. Dim the lights, put away screens, and allow yourself and your little ones to unwind. Quality sleep starts with a mindful transition from day to night.
Mindfulness for children
Practicing mindfulness can help children to notice their emotions, whether they're appreciating the feeling of being very happy, or understanding that they are feeling upset and being able to pinpoint what has caused that feeling.
The problem is, mindfulness is a hard enough concept for adults to get their heads around, let alone children. That's why we've broken down the concept of mindfulness into fun activities that children can play to support emotional regulation, boost focus and reduce stress.
Some of our activities include:
Bubble Popping - An activity that teaches children how to let thoughts go from their mind by framing them as bubbles floating through the air, which they can simply pop.
Rainbow Painting - Children learn about different types of emotions and how they make them feel, as they paint the colours of the rainbow into the sky
Balloon Breathing - This activity helps illustrate how to take deep breaths in and out by pretending you're a massive balloon that's inflating and deflating.
A practical guide to Mindfulness
Next week we will discuss practical methods on bringing mindfulness into your everyday routine without any big changes!
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