PSHE & Wellbeing

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is all about giving your full attention to the present moment. It involves slowing down to truly observe what you’re doing.

Being mindful contrasts with rushing or juggling multiple tasks. When you practice mindfulness, you take your time and focus in a calm, relaxed manner.

Sometimes, mindfulness occurs naturally. For instance, when you're about to take a free throw in basketball, you carefully position your feet at the line. You glance at the hoop and feel the ball in your hands. Taking a moment, you bounce the ball a few times, tuning out distractions before you take your shot. Swoosh — you nailed it!

That serene focus and the way you concentrate on your actions, taking your time and enjoying the moment — that’s mindfulness in action! And it just helped you make your best shot.

Why Do People Need Mindfulness?

Practicing mindfulness can help you:

- Improve your attention
- Reduce distractions
- Enhance your learning
- Maintain calm during stressful situations
- Manage your emotions better
- Slow down instead of hurrying
- Listen more effectively
- Cultivate patience
- Foster better relationships
- Increase happiness and enjoyment in life

If this sounds like a superpower, it truly is! Mindfulness benefits nearly every aspect of life. Learning to be mindful from a young age allows you to master it and apply it throughout your life.

How Do I Get Started?

Anyone can engage in mindfulness practice. It’s simple and only requires a few minutes each day.

Here are some straightforward steps:

1. Find a comfortable, relaxed position. Choose something to focus on, like a word you repeat in your mind or your breath.
2. If you choose to focus on your breathing, breathe normally while paying attention to each breath. You can close your eyes if you prefer. As you inhale and exhale, just notice your breath. Keep your attention relaxed and intentional, without forcing it.
3. Be aware when your mind drifts away from your breath. You might start thinking about lunch, whether you remembered your PE trainers, or a funny moment.

Click on the image below for Rainbow Breathing Relaxation