Practicing Mindfulness

COVID has changed all of our surroundings, some more than others. But, the ghouls and skeletons still line up the lawns of houses in nearby towns. In the next few days, we will live through Halloween and the 2020 Presidential election...an eventful week! So, we all need a moment to ourselves and to breathe, fortunately, the topic of this week's youth chat teaches us how to practice mindfulness. 

Mindfulness is best explained as:

"...Paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment." Jon Kabat-Zinn 

We can start practicing mindfulness in different and simple ways like breathing exercises (Ex. breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds), using a coloring book, or taking a long walk. But, your main focus is to be aware and live in the present moment, become oneself, to break free of worrying about the future which helps soothe anxiety or lessen the stress. 

In uncertain times like these, perhaps we all could look at practicing mindfulness to help our mental health. The youth and young adults shared how they practice mindfulness, they watch movies, take a light jog, play video games,  and draw sketches of what is on their mind. The links at the bottom of this blog post, "Breathe: Mindful Moments: Three Breaths," and "Mindfulness: Youth Voices," are two great videos to help you take the first step in being present with oneself. 

Before we sign off, a quick note to the parents and youth (ages 14-21) reading this post. On Sat. Nov 14th, 2020, the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is hosting the Partners in Education: Transition Mini Conference that will provide information to both youth and young adults, and their parents on the importance of self-advocacy, supported decisions making, adult services, and more. Join us! And, register by clicking on the link below after "Resources"  titled "Transition Mini-Conference." See you there!

Are you interested in mindfulness? Do you already practice it? Or maybe you have some helpful tips for keeping stress levels down? Let us know in the comment section below if you have anything you would like to share on the topic. And, do not forget! Join us on next week's youth chat, Nov 4th at 3:00-3:30 PM, and here is another way to make it a great time...bring a friend!

Author,

Jeremy Hayer

Resources:

1. The SPAN Youth Chat: the-span-youth-chat

2. Transition Mini-Conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/partners-in-education-transition-mini-conference-tickets-125186591465

3. Mindfulness Youth Voices: https://youtu.be/kk7IBwuhXWM

4. Practicing Mindfulness: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/mindfulness

5. Breathe Mindful Moments Three Breaths: https://youtu.be/cFBf7ISkjs8

6. Subscribe to SPAN's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SPANAdvocacy

7. Link to SPAN's website: https://spanadvocacy.org/

8. Link to SPAN’s Youth In the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know

9. We’re here for you!  Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726