What is mindfulness? According to wikipedia's definition: Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one's attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation and other training.
There is a plethora of outcome-based research that indicates mindfulness improves cognitive functioning; emotional regulation; self-control; decreased anxiety; reductions in behavioral problems; and improved sleep. Teachers who regularly use stress-reducing strategies increase their abilities to cope with the demands of the career and are positioned to do a better job educating students, according to results from a program administered by the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education. In addition, the study showed that when teachers had an improvement in their own well being, they also improved the quality of their classrooms.
You can start your day with mindful actvities that help decrease stress and help you focus on healthy living. I recently learned about a great relaxation exercise that takes only 60 seconds. Watch your worries fade away! Try Pixel Thoughts with your class or for yourself.
Personally, perhaps because it is November and Thanksgiving is around the corner, I started off the month with a challenge. At the end of every day I am taking a few minutes in peaceful reflection to write down one thing that I am grateful for in a journal. This seemed like a very easy task. It is an exercise on mindful living. Want to take on the challenge with me? What are you grateful for today?
Resources to encourage gratitude:
Bill Daggett encouraged us all to teach students the important rules to live by, such as responsibility, perseverance, and trust. November we celebrate Thanksgiving. Here are some resources to encourage thankfulness that you can use in the classroom:
VocabularySpellingCity What are your Students' Thankful For?
With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a great time to discuss the importance of giving and of showing gratitude with your students. Thanksgiving lessons often include these questions: Do you know the meaning of Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for, and why?
NEA: Thanksgiving Ideas for the Classroom,
Grades 6-8 Interdisciplinary Lesson Plans, Activity Ideas and Other Curriculum Resources
Education World
Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean the same tired turkey lessons. Join Education World as we celebrate this special season with some creative ideas. In this archive you will find articles, lesson ideas, site reviews, books, crafts, clipart and much more -- all to help you meet all your holiday needs.
Thanksgiving Book List