Children… their whole world has been turned upside down. Kids are experiencing the stresses of a pandemic, but a new study shows there may some simple ways to help your little ones get through this. Scientists looked at 300 – fifth through eighth-grade students, and they found those who participated in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program – reported improved psychological functioning and less stress.
The ‘mindfulness program’ focused on the practice of good mental hygiene, and includes:
- Breathing Exercises
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness Eating
Experts say these types of activities are simple to do at home. For example, you can place a stuffed animal on a child’s stomach and ask them to rock it to sleep with gentle breaths. Another activity is to have a child hold a common object behind their back and ask them to describe how it feels. When your child feels sad, ask them “where do you feel sad, in your eyes, or your throat, or chest?”.
These simple approaches may make all the difference in your child’s mental well-being, and a great way to involve the entire family.
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