7 Ways to Practice Mindfulness with Kids this Summer and its Benefits
Mindfulness is a popular term, especially within the yoga community. Most of us have heard there are benefits to practicing mindfulness consistently, and luckily, more and more research is being done on the effects of mindfulness. Including the effects on children.
Mindfulness vs. Meditation
Before diving into the effects of mindfulness however, mindfulness and meditation have become interchangeable terms. And you’ll see why. While they can be two different types of practice, that’s not always the case…
Mindfulness is awareness
Mindfulness is awareness of everything around you and within you. The awareness of all your senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations within the body. It can be an awareness of your internal and external world.
That’s why mindfulness can be pretty versatile and creative. You could go on a walk and practice mindfulness as you observe the world around you. You could eat a meal and practice mindfulness as you observe each bite and bodily sensation. And you can practice meditation as a way to reach mindfulness… and vice versa.
Meditation is mindfulness
Meditation is mindfulness. Meditation, regardless of the type, is the focus on something: the breath, the body, a candle flame, an object, a chant, or a mantra – in order to bring stillness, and yes, mindfulness.
Meditation is the tool while mindfulness is the end product. There are many ways to meditate, and each one brings you back into mindfulness.
The Proof is in the Mindfulness Pudding
“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to share meditation with their children—and teachers to incorporate mindfulness training into their lesson plans.
The simple act of teaching children how to stop, focus, and just breathe could be one of the greatest gifts you give them.” – read the full article here.
Mindfulness and its effects on children continue to be studied. Time and again it is shown that mindfulness is incredibly impactful and beneficial, and thankfully is being encouraged more and more within education systems and at home.
While mindfulness research on children is not yet as extensive as that on adults, here are the benefits we know with certainty:
Mindfulness reduces worry, anxiety, and stress
Maybe it’s difficult to believe that most children would even experience anxiety, worry, or stress. And surely, most children don’t identify those feelings explicitly. However, most of us, adults and children alike, are overstimulated daily. In a world with information at our fingertips and so much going on in our daily lives, we all tend to move through the world more quickly and less mindfully. Children feel this too. And are probably a little more sensitive to it than adults are. Mindfulness can help calm their nervous systems and ease those feelings and sensations.
Mindfulness decreases reactivity and improves self-regulation
Reactivity, at times, can be a symptom of overwhelm and overstimulation in children, touching back on that previous point above. Reactivity can be the result of a child having difficulty expressing what they are feeling. They don’t know how to say, ‘I’m overwhelmed’ and instead act out. Mindfulness has been shown to help reduce these behaviors in kids, allowing them the chance to self-regulate.
Mindfulness improves sleep
A calm nervous system also means a healthy circadian rhythm. As mentioned above, mindfulness helps in reducing anxiety, worry, and stress. And with that children are more easily able to settle into sleep at the end of the day… and stay asleep.
Mindfulness improves cognitive development
Studies have shown as well that in decreasing anxiety and worry, this allows children to be more present and focused when learning – whether in or out of school. Reduced stress and anxiety mean an increased ability in memory as well.
Mindfulness improves overall well-being
Overall, mindfulness has demonstrated only positive effects in children. Mindfulness creates less anxious and reactive children and instills healthy coping mechanisms, self-regulation, and overall well-being.
Ways to Stay Mindful with Your Kids this Summer
While this is only the beginning of the benefits of mindfulness, it continues to be proven that mindfulness is nothing but beneficial to both adults and children. And really, with not that much time each day. Studies have shown that even as little as 5 minutes per day spent being mindful is impactful.
And with that in mind, Sol Luna Yoga is placing a lot of focus on how we can bring mindfulness to kids this summer. Whether you’re local to Klamath Falls or living elsewhere, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Use your imagination with the clouds… and stars
Do you remember being a kid and finding the different shapes in the clouds above? Sometimes the time would pass so quickly because you’d get so caught up in the imagination of all the shapes passing by. Encourage your little ones to look up and use their imaginations. And this same practice can be done with anything, really. Including an evening star gaze.
Go on a nature walk
Nature walks are great for kids of all ages… especially any teens who have a tendency to lock into the TV, video games, or cellphones. Find a local hiking trail or simply walk around your neighborhood and encourage them to take notice of the world around them. Not only will this encourage mindfulness, but benefits physical health as well!
Color on a rainy (or too hot) day
Sometimes it can get too hot during the summer, or maybe there’s an afternoon rainstorm. Coloring (or any creative craft) can be a great mindfulness tool that will also pass the time. You can grab actual coloring books, print out coloring pages, or make your own creation.
Dance Party!
Blast some music, inside or outside, and let loose! Dance and movement are great for getting kids into their bodies and having fun, while also exerting lots of energy (yes, sleep!).
Mindfulness for Kids in Klamath Falls
If you’re local to Klamath Falls, this summer Sol Luna Yoga is offering a number of different classes and camps created for kids, with the intention of mindfulness, fun, and learning.
Sol Luna Yoga x Klamath County Library: Fit Kids!
Sol Luna Yoga is collaborating with Klamath County Library and offering Fit Kids: a free yoga class for kids up to age 10.
Once a month, beginning in May, Sol Luna will hold two separate classes:
Session 1 is for kids up to age 5
Session 2 is for kids between the ages of 5 and 10.
In both classes, kids will learn mindfulness through dancing, play, singing, and yoga!
Head over to our Instagram for more details. Our first session begins May 22!
Theater Ballet Workshops
Theater Ballet Workshops are held at Sol Luna Yoga studio and instructed by Susan Guest, a teacher and instructor with 15+ years of dance experience and 6 years of experience in teaching ballet.
Storybook Ballet is a workshop for kids ages 5-9 with 0-2 years of dance experience
Theater Ballet is a workshop for kids ages 10+ with 3+ years of dance experience
Both workshops offer 2 sessions each, from June 19-23 and June 26-30.
You can find more information by heading over to our Instagram and you can register your little ones using this link.
SHINE: Youth Yoga Camp
Beginning July 31 through August 11, Sol Luna Yoga is offering SHINE: Youth Yoga Camp for kids ages pre-K – Grade 5. There are two camps being held for different age ranges.
Week 1: grades 2 – 5
Week 2: grades pre-K – 1
Kids will learn the basics of yoga through play, dance, songs, stories... & of course, yoga poses! We curate every single class to each age group & individual needs with the goal of exploration, learning & FUN! Each child will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and daily healthy snack.
You can find more information on our Instagram, our weekly newsletter, or website.
Mindfulness is Everywhere
No matter where you are, there’s always an opportunity for mindfulness. Mindfulness is beneficial no matter what age you are and the benefits are abundant. And practicing mindfulness alongside kids can make it even more enjoyable.
What’s your favorite way to practice mindfulness with your kids?
