Back to School: 3 Mindfulness Tools for Students
Students of all ages have a lot to keep up with, so it’s good to be prepared. When getting ready for the new school year, you ensure that you have the right school supplies and everything else that’s necessary to succeed. What about tools for staying on track during lessons, getting assignments done on time, and managing stress? If you could use some extra help in any of these areas, then mindfulness can be an excellent tool!
What is Mindfulness, and How Does it Help?
Mindfulness, in simple terms, is awareness of what is happening internally and externally. Mindfulness helps students focus, complete assignments, and manage difficult emotions, even when their external and internal surroundings feel overwhelming.
There are many mindfulness tools and techniques that can help. Here are three that you might find useful!
- Mindfulness for Improved Focus
Concentration and focus are important for students of all ages, but sometimes it can be easy to get distracted. Whether you want to pay attention to lectures or stay on task when completing assignments, this focus mindfulness exercise can help:
- Close your eyes, and take a slow, deep breath. Notice the coolness of the air as it fills your lungs.
- Feel your lungs and stomach expand as you breathe in and get smaller as you breathe out.
- Listen carefully to any sounds that are happening around you externally, like the ticking of a clock, the rustling of papers, or the singing of birds.
- Turn your attention inward and listen to yourself. Notice your breathing and the sound of your heartbeat.
- Think about what you want to focus on. Open your eyes, and carefully place all your attention on this one thing. Let all other sights and sounds fade into the background.
- Mindfulness for Academic Performance
Do you struggle to get things done? Procrastination is a common problem, and there is a mindfulness technique that is designed for this specifically. It is called the Pomodoro Technique. With this technique, regular work sessions are broken up with frequent, short breaks. This provides a manageable goal while helping to prevent burnout or lost focus. Here is how it’s done:
- Decide which task you need to get done, like a homework assignment or studying for a test.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on the task at hand for that entire time.
- After the time is up, take a 5-minute break.
- Do this four times, then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
The time-frame used can be adjusted based on the age of the student and their ability to remain focused without stress.
- Mindfulness for Stress Relief
Students can experience stress from a wide range of sources academically, socially, and personally. Having a go-to mindfulness technique for managing stress can help the student deal with the challenges of day-to-day life. Here is one bible-based stress-relief mindfulness method that you might find useful:
- Choose one of your favorite scriptures that brings you peace and comfort. For some suggestions, see the list below.
- Begin by taking a few slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Open your eyes and read the scripture slowly while thinking carefully about the meaning of each word.
- Repeat the process of slow, deep breaths while reading and meditating on the scripture until the stress you are feeling subsides.
Suggested Scriptures for Mindfulness
When choosing scripture to use in the mindfulness technique above, find something that is short, easy to read, and inspiring. Here are some suggestions:
- Psalm 46:1-3: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
- Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
- Psalm 94:19: When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul.
Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC Teaches Mindfulness to Students
Whether you are a parent who wants to help your child succeed, or you’re a student yourself, mindfulness is a useful tool. Do you want more tips and techniques that are geared to the specific needs of your child, teen, or yourself? Consider Christian counseling in Raleigh!
Sojourner Counseling is a team of professional Christian therapists in Raleigh that offer proven therapeutic counseling from a faith-based approach. We can teach traditional mindfulness techniques, as well as those that utilize biblical resources. If you are looking for a “Christian counselor near me” that provides this service, then reach out to us soon!