Ways to Stay Mindful Throughout the Day
January 13, 2021
This school year has been full of many challenges for both teachers and students. Sitting in front of a screen for more than six hours is more draining than it seems. Remembering to take care of your mental health while balancing school work is grueling without the unprecedented challenges this school year has brought. Here are a few ways to decompress and give your brain a much-needed break with this in mind.
1. Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are an easy way to center yourself throughout the day. The only thing required to complete a breathing exercise is a little bit of your focus and your lungs, of course. One of the most straightforward breathing exercises is the 4-7-8 method. This is where you exhale completely and inhale through your nose for four seconds. Then you hold this breath for seven seconds and exhale for eight seconds.
2. Quiet Time
Take time to be still may seem odd, but we are always doing some activity. Whether it is completing a homework assignment or watching TV, sitting in a quiet spot and doing absolutely nothing for five to ten minutes is oddly refreshing. Take a break from technology, look out a window, or sit with your favorite blanket. Your brain will thank you.
3. Go Outdoors
Spending so much time indoors has a reverse effect on our mental and sometimes physical health. Going on an infamous “quarantine walk” may be a great habit to implement again. Seeing a change of scenery and breathing some fresh air is a great way to give your brain a break.
4. Make Time for Activities you Love.
It is easy to let school consume our lives, but setting aside time to do something for yourself can be liberating. Read a chapter of your favorite book or finish a painting. Regardless of what it is, taking a much-needed break from schoolwork is necessary. Just make sure you do these activities at the appropriate time and not during class to avoid the stress of catching up on work. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose?
Our mental health will affect every aspect of our lives, from school to social interaction. Taking breaks from your screen is just as important as drinking water. With these ideas, we will cause ourselves to be more continuous and productive in our everyday lives.