In the last few years mindfulness has emerged as a way of treating children and adolescents with conditions ranging from ADHD to anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, depression and stress. The ultimate goal is to give you enough distance from disturbing thoughts and emotions to be able to observe them without immediately reacting to them. To expand on that just a little, mindfulness is a meditation practice that begins with paying attention to breathing in order to focus on the here and now-not what might have been or what you’re worried could be. But beyond the buzz, what is it? Jon Kabat-Zinn, the scientist and widely recognized father of contemporary, medically based mindfulness-over 30 years ago he developed a therapeutic meditation practice known as Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)-defines mindfulness simply as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” One mindfulness coach helps kids understand it by having them find their “still, quiet place.” From there, she says, “They can learn to observe their thoughts and feelings, and they can begin to choose their behaviors.”īy now there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term “mindfulness.” It seems to be everywhere-touted as the new yoga, the answer to stress, the alternative to Xanax. It can stop them from having a tantrum if they are frustrated or angry. For example, mindfulness can help them feel less anxious. This gives them time to decide what they want to do about the upsetting feeling, rather than reacting immediately. Then they can learn to notice their feelings, even upsetting ones. The idea is that when they pay attention to breathing out and breathing in, they start to feel calm inside. Mindfulness is a great skill for kids to learn. Scientific studies have proven that mindfulness works. It can be especially helpful for those who are easily upset or impulsive, including kids with ADHD, depression, anxiety or autism. There are many benefits of mindfulness for teenagers, and even young kids. It helps you stay in the present instead of worrying about the past or future. It starts with focusing on your breathing. Mindfulness is a meditation practice that helps you calm down.
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