As we are in the middle of Lockdown 3 with schools across the country closed once again, your child may be experiencing stress and anxiety due to the ever-changing situation and uncertainty.
Take a look at the below fun, mindfulness activities to keep your little ones positive, upbeat and creative around homeschooling.
- 'Just One Breath' Breathing Activity
- Find a relaxing place, sit comfortably and set a timer for one minute.
- Breathe deeply in and out while paying attention to any sensations you notice or sounds you hear.
- Take another, slow deep breath, imagine the air moving down into your lungs and back up.
- Take one more deep breath and hold for a moment, then release it.
- Create a Glitter Jar
- Find a jar or plastic bottle and allow your child to decorate it however they like.
- Fill the bottle up 3/4 of the way with water. Next, add clear glue, food colouring and glitter, and then shake.
- Seal the lid and you are ready to go.
- Heartbeat Exercise
- Ask your child to stand up and either jump up and down or do jumping jacks for one minute.
- At the end of that minute, tell them to place their hand on their heart and pay attention to how their heartbeat and their breathing feels.
- Go on a Safari
- Go outside for an exciting adventure. Try picking up a small rock or touching a plant or flower.
- Notice the bugs and the birds. Take a moment to kneel down and touch the earth.
- Walk mindfully paying close attention to everything. Make sure you walk in silence because you want to notice all the little details.
- Tense and Release Muscle Relaxation
- Starting at the feet, gently squeeze the muscles in the feet by tightening them, then slowly releasing.
- Next, squeeze the large muscles in the calves for 5 seconds, then gently release. Working your way up the body, squeeze the thigh muscles for 5 seconds then gently releae.
- Contine moving up the body for further relaxation.