Mindfulness in Schools

Welcome!
You have been given the link to this site as part of the mindfulness program at Carden. In Fall 2017, we are piloting an online, at-home webpage to supplement what students learn in class for those students who would like to practice more at home or for those parents wanting to learning more. No one is obligated to use this site or the resources or to practice at home. But are curious if any one does, what is helpful, what is not, and what seems to make a measurable difference.

Mindfulness in the Real World
Research studies have shown that mindfulness can help improve students' academic performance, social skills, and ability to manage stress. Over 50% of children will have a mental health disorder by the time they are in high school, and mindfulness is one of the ways to prevent and/or reduce mental health issues. In just 2-10 minutes per day, most people find that they sleep better, are less stressed, and feel happier more often. And students find it easier to concentrate at home and at school. If this sounds like may be worth the effort, let's see what some of your options are.

The purpose of Mindfulness@Home s to help you more rapidly and noticeably benefit from the in-class Mindfulness@Carden program. In as little as 2 minutes per day, you can help rewire your brain to be calmer, more focused, and happier.

Step 1: Make a Plan: Monday-Friday 2-5 Minutes
Identify things you do every day Monday-Friday at home, such as homework, brush your teeth in the morning, eat breakfast/dinner, watch TV, etc. Identify one of these that might be a good time for you to practice mindfulness for 2-10 minutes. Some ideas include:

• Before homework
• After breakfast
• After brushing teeth before school
• Before taking shower/bath
• After dinner

Then figure out how to remind yourself to do it. Some ideas include:

• Invite a parent or sibling to join you
• Set a timer on your watch, iPad, etc.
• Put a reminder where you would be right before you plan to practice (such as a chime or relaxing picture)

Step 2: Explore Your Options
There many ways to practice mindfulness at home. Some of these include:

• Use the mp4 videos on this webpage that were created last June with students at Carden.
• Use the InsightTimer App, which can be used on a computer or tablet and is free to all. We have created a private Carden Mindfulness group for those using the app to share when they are practicing and which of the free guided meditations they found most useful.
• Purchase mindfulness CDs for home use.
• Check out these other website for additional options

Step 3: Begin Week 1
I

Stephanie: Put the "Getting Started Video here too"

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