Breathing Mindfulness Exercise for Students
Instructions:
- Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and place your hands on your stomach.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose, feeling your stomach rise.
- Slowly exhale through your mouth, feeling your stomach fall.
- Focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale.
- If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.
- Continue breathing deeply and slowly for 5-10 minutes.
Variations:
- You can count your breaths as you inhale and exhale. For example, inhale to the count of 4 and exhale to the count of 4.
- You can visualize your breath as a color or a shape. For example, imagine that your breath is a white cloud or a flowing river.
- You can add a mantra to your breath. For example, repeat the mantra “I am calm and centered” as you inhale and exhale.
Benefits:
Breathing mindfulness can help students to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve focus and concentration
- Increase self-awareness
- Boost mood and emotional regulation
- Promote relaxation and sleep
Tips for Students:
- It is normal for your mind to wander during breathing mindfulness. When you notice that your mind has wandered, gently bring it back to your breath.
- Don’t judge yourself if you find it difficult to focus on your breath. Just keep practicing and you will get better with time.
- Start with short breathing mindfulness exercises and gradually increase the amount of time you spend practicing.
- You can practice breathing mindfulness anywhere and at any time. For example, you can practice before bed, during class breaks, or while waiting in line.
Encourage students to practice breathing mindfulness regularly to experience the many benefits it has to offer.