4th & 5th Grade Guidance

Counselors Corner

Date: 03/30/2020

Mindfulness 

Have you heard the term “mindfulness”?  If you are wondering what it is, here’s a simple explanation.  Mindfulness is simply living in the present, rather than regretting the past or worrying about the future, as many of us do.  So many of us live in the past or worry about the future because we have automatic thoughts and actions to situations which can lead to negative frames of mind.  Practicing mindfulness means training our brain to avoid the automatic response and create an alternative choice from a new perspective. Mindfulness can be practiced and developed through many different methods such as meditation, deep breathing, etc. 

Currently, we are all experiencing a stressful and overwhelming time!  Below are some mindful strategies that can help your family cope through this new experience.  It is important to take care of yourselves and use coping skills to assist in this transition to virtual learning.                      

Create a Peace Corner   

A peace corner is a place where each person can practice mindfulness through developing inner peace.  You can decorate your space with flowers or pictures of loved ones and pets. The space needs to be a simple place to sit and reflect, don’t overthink it.  You can go to the peace corner when you feel happy, sad, scared, angry, or tired. All feelings are welcome there!  

Peace Corner Activities 

• Practice deep belly breathing - slowly breathe in so deep that your belly puffs up with air, then let all the air back out slowly.
• Look at your favorite objects such as  flowers, stones, or feathers. Notice their colors, textures, shapes and patterns.  (Go on a nature walk and collect objects for your peace corner!)
• Listen to soft calming music
• Draw a picture or color
• Watch a calming glitter jar or snow globe
• Look at pictures of your family and pets
• Practice smiling as big as you can