The human mind is constantly active. From receiving inputs about stimuli in our environment, to ruminating over the past or worry about the future. Although we spend time engaged in specific tasks, we are often unaware of the multiple things that concurrently occupy our brain-space. Over time, if not controlled, this continuous clutter leads to emotional distress, states of overwhelm and poor functioning. In a word, stress. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that teaches us to focus completely on the here and now, without judgement. This practice is relevant for everyone but particularly applicable for adolescents and young adults. Due to the very nature of these stages of development, mental clutter is pervasive. Engaging in consistent mindfulness practice provides an opportunity for young people to improve upon their holistic wellbeing with the added benefits of peace, purposes and positivity.
Mindfulness techniques can vary from the very simple to more sophisticated. In essence to be mindful is to be aware of the moment. To create the pause that allows us to better manage ourselves and our decisions, especially when pressure rises. Young people are constantly barraged with inputs, some of their own making and others due to the complexities of their world. Teaching tweens, teens and young adults to be mindful supports not only their current mental wellbeing, but allows them to be better versions of themselves in relationships, peer interactions and in the wider community. Following are some simple and very user-friendly techniques which support mindful practice in daily life.
Being mindful of your internal world. Encourage young people to quietly reflect on their own bodies. Paying attention to their breath, sitting in silence and really listening to the sounds around them, or feeling the warmth of the sun on their skin. We lose millions of moments of simplicity and beauty while caught up in the chaos of our minds.
We can be mindful anywhere and with anything. Young people, in particular are guilty of multi-tasking during meal time. The concept of mindful eating includes focusing on the food being consumed. The textures, the taste and the experience. One can go further and even consider where it has come from the love and energy expressed in harvesting and preparation. Mindful eating supports healthier eating habits. Young people are less likely to make poor choices, or overeat when they sit, and focus during meal times.
When mindfulness is consistently practiced, teens report improved feelings of calm, focus and concentration. These are applicable not only to daily life, but to application to studies and academic pursuits. Perhaps the single most common complaint of young people is procrastination. This phenomenon is a symptom of an overwhelmed and anxious mind. Through taking the time today and in the coming weeks to practice mindfulness techniques, young people will take these new habits into the new school year.
Overall, when encouraging young people to be mindful, it is useful to emphasize the simplicity. Mindfulness is as intuitive as placing focus on our senses. Taking time to sit in silence each day. Reserving meal times for exactly that, enjoying a meal. Recognizing the benefits and results of calm. In a world which is already overwhelming, we do not want to add wellbeing techniques which themselves can be complex. Mindfulness does not have to be, and in fact it is not. Take time this weekend to consider how your entire family can embark upon simple strategies to mindfulness. The benefits are endless.
