In a previous Counsellors Corner article, the concept of co-regulation was covered. Often co-regulation is hard to do because we, as parents or teachers, struggle to regulate and be mindful of our reactions in moments that create stress. One great tool that can be used is called
Mindful Meditation. Mindfulness is a practice by which you focus on being aware of the senses you are feeling, whether it’s taste, touch, smell, sight, or hearing to help you become present at the moment, without interpretation or judgment. As an example, if you are mindful in a moment of stress you may be able to become more aware of the sensations in your hands as they may become tenser which can then help you have a more effective reaction. Mindfulness involves breathing techniques, visualizations to reduce stress. In a study that took place in 2010 by a researcher named Hoffman findings confirmed that participants who used mindfulness for an eight-week trial had reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, a boost in working memory, better focus, less emotional reactivity, relationship satisfaction, and more! I have included a guided video and a list of apps that you can use to practice mindfulness for yourself and also a fun mindfulness activity to help guide your children to use it.
- The Mindfulness App.
- Headspace.
- Calm.
- buddhify.
- Sattva.
- MyLife Meditation.
- Insight Timer.
- Breethe.
Guided Meditation
