It’s no secret that life is stressful for adults. As such, we’ve come up with a slew of ways to combat the tension that lingers in our personal and professional lives. One great way to keep our thoughts in check is by practicing mindfulness.
Mindfulness teaches us to keep our minds in the present. Often, our thoughts race and we ruminate on thoughts of the past or future. If we work hard to be mindful, we can push everything from our heads except what’s happening right now.
The good news is that we all can be mindful. Of course, this skill must be learned and honed, and we become more mindful through a regular meditation practice. We can sit down, stand up or walk while we meditate. Whichever way you do it, you’ll reap a slew of benefits, making mindfulness a vital part of your day-to-day life.
Little ones can get just as much out of a mindfulness practice as you can. Encouraging such a skill at an early age can lead to an even fuller life. Here are just five of the reasons why everyone should be mindful, kids included.
Mindfulness improves concentration
It’s easy to get distracted by our thoughts. Sometimes this mental spiral can be stressful—thoughts about past events or future possibilities can stoke anxiety. If these kinds of distractions regularly disrupt you, mindfulness can be used to rein in your brain and redirect your focus to what’s happening now.
This benefit extends to children. Their minds wander just as easily as ours. Imagine your little one has gone to school, and they’re having a hard time concentrating on what their teacher is saying. By incorporating mindfulness into their daily routine, they will learn to realize when they’ve lost focus. They can then bring themselves back to what’s happening in class. Paying attention to their lessons will also improve their performance in school.
Mindfulness diffuses stress and anxiety
This might be the main reason why adults partake in mindfulness meditation. Stress sometimes overwhelms grown-ups, and it can stem from professional obligations, personal relationships and more. Keeping your brain focused on the present instead of the what-ifs of a situation will reduce stress. Mindfulness teaches you to do exactly that.
It may come as a surprise to some adults, but kids also feel stress and anxiety. Between their academic obligations and extracurricular activities, today’s demands push some little ones to their limit. On top of that, they end up spending less and less time outdoors. Playing outside comes with known mental health benefits for kids, and missing that time can leave them feeling tense.
Parents should encourage their kids to learn mindfulness meditation. Refocusing on the present can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety that little ones deal with, including stomachaches and rapid breathing, and they’ll have an easier time leading the carefree lives that children should.
Mindfulness boosts moods
This benefit goes hand-in-hand with the fact that mindfulness diffuses anxiety and stress. Sometimes, we discourage ourselves from feeling what we feel, but suppressing emotions can be just as damaging as long-term stress. In fact, such behaviour serves to spike tension and anxiety over time. Mindfulness should be used to acknowledge your feelings and why you’re feeling them, as only then can you let them go.
Children need to know that their feelings are also valid. This truth particularly applies to boys, who have long been encouraged to hide their emotions and be strong. Nowadays, we know that it’s OK to express how we feel and why. Mindfulness gives children the tools they need to validate and understand their own feelings.
Mindfulness hones communication skills
How often do you find yourself blurting out something in the heat of the moment, and regretting it later? Chances are, you often look back and wish you could take back what you said when you were upset or angry.
With mindfulness practice, such outbursts become less common. Although mindfulness teaches you that your feelings are valid, it also puts you in touch with your emotions. If you constantly monitor how you feel, you won’t fly off the handle when you realize you’re upset. Instead, you will become more able to react appropriately. Listening and communicating your thoughts will become simpler.
This benefit applies to kids in exactly the same way. Children often argue with each other, and as a parent, you’ll have to diffuse their discussions. Arming your little ones with a meditative practice can help them in these tense moments. They can learn to explain their feelings and mediate their problems.
Mindfulness keeps everyone connected
As a parent, you can’t wield a more powerful tool for child-rearing than mindfulness. Your practice will keep you present in every moment with your little ones. You will become a more level-headed and attentive presence in their lives.
Mindfulness teaches us to react with grace and patience—your children will know they can discuss anything with you without judgment. And they couldn’t ask for more from the person raising them.
Mindfulness in the home means more than just gauging your feelings and dealing with them responsibly. It also means that everyone stays present in the family’s goings-on. Simply turning off your phones before gathering for dinner can be a mindful practice—the buzzing and beeping won’t interrupt you as you catch up after a long day. These moments will bring the family together and make you all feel connected.
As kids grow up, they crave closeness to their parents and siblings, and all of your mindfulness practices will bring your family closer together. Your home will feel like a safe place where everyone comes to connect, feel better and make memories. There’s nothing more important than that.
Simply put, mindfulness makes life better. Start now.
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