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Why Mindfulness

Why Mindfulness. Alternative Interventions to Support all Students. Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindful Qualities. Stress Scale Results.

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Why Mindfulness

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  1. Why Mindfulness Alternative Interventions to Support all Students

  2. Mindfulness • Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

  3. Mindful Qualities

  4. Stress Scale Results

  5. Mindfulness can • Sharpen your attention. • Increase resiliency to stress. • Increase compassion. • Have a positive impact on your relationships. • Boost to working memory • Less emotional reactivity • More cognitive flexibility

  6. Childhood issues • Anxiety • Depression • Attention • Anger • Stress

  7. Stress causes • High Blood pressure • Decreased immune system • Decreased memory • Decreased digestion • Decreased reproduction function • Decreased neurogenesis

  8. Frontline interventions • Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Medication • The treatments do not work for everyone • Alternative methods are needed

  9. Neuroscientist Sara Lazar: Harvard Medical School • Studied mindfulness and its effect on the brain using MRI • Slows down the thinning of the frontal cortex (responsible for memories) • 40-50 year old's practice mindfulness same amount of grey matter in the cortex as 20-30 year-olds • Engaged people who had never meditated before and put them through a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training program, where they took a weekly class and were told to perform mindfulness exercises every day for 30 to 40 minutes. 

  10. Neuroscientist Sara Lazar: Harvard Medical School, cont. • Brain volume increased and decreased in brain regions most relevant.

  11. Amygdala Function: Responsible for the response and memory of emotions, especially fear  ( flight, fight, freeze)

  12. Prefrontal cortex The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex which covers the front part of the frontal lobe. This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior.

  13. Hippocampus Function: Responsible for processing of long term memory and emotional responses 

  14. What is Calm Classroom? • Calm Classroom is a program that uses simple research-based mindfulness techniques to help students and teachers develop self-awareness, mental focus, and inner calm. • The program provides teachers and students the tools to more effectively manage stress, regulate their emotions, and in turn lead more productive, well-balanced lives.

  15. How is Calm Classroom Used at PBES? • The Calm Classroom program is composed of breathing, stretching, relaxation, and focusing techniques and takes approximately three minutes to complete. • Teachers lead the practices three times per day in their classrooms, which often helps to ease transitions throughout the day.

  16. Breathing • Practicing breathing techniques is one of the best ways to relieve stress and relax. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain, promoting a state of calm. Taking short, quick breaths can help us to feel more alert. Breathing techniques connect you to your physical body, helping to take your awareness off of your worries and quiet the mind.

  17. Focus • We can improve our ability to focus by practicing paying attention to one thing at a time. When you notice your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to the object of focus, whether it is the breath, sounds in your environment, or a physical sensation.

  18. Relaxation • Learning to relax your body is an important skill that will help you to deal with stress and improve your overall wellbeing. The body’s relaxation response lowers stress levels in the brain, leading to increased energy, motivation and capacity to learn.

  19. Stretching • Stretching helps free our bodies of any tightness caused by stress. When we stretch, fresh blood and oxygen are carried to the muscles. This restores our energy levels and helps us to relax.

  20. How does Calm Classroom Benefit Teachers/Students? • Allows students to calm themselves when they are feeling a strong emotion • Students receive the tools they need to self-regulate stress and anxiety • Teachers receive tools to help students remain calm and focused • Brings students back to focus after transitions such as recess and lunch • Students are beginning to ask for mindful moments before tests

  21. Calm Classroom Training for Teachers/Staff • The training is broken up into 5 parts, including the following professional development sessions: • 1. Teacher Training • 2. Implementation check-in and intro to self-care • 3. Self-care strategizing • 4. Positive psychology for teachers and students • 5. Completion of course, final professional development session

  22. What is a Calm Corner?

  23. References • calm classroom: Elementary & Middle School (2015). Luster Learning Institute, NFP. • “Neuroscience of Mindfulness: What Happens to You Brain When You Meditate”: Observer.com (2017, June). https://observer.com/2017/06/neuroscience-mindfulness-brain-when-you-meditate-development • “Harvard Researchers Study How Mindfulness May Change the Brain in Depressed Patients” Harvard Gazette (2018, April). Accessed: https://news.Harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/Harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/

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