By Emily Sommers, MSW, August 15, 2018 –

Just like the teachers, school social workers come into the building several days before the first day of school to prepare for the new school year.  

One thing I have noticed upon returning is that “summer brain” is a real thing!  Summer brain is not a good or bad thing; it just means it is time to change patterns and create a new rhythm.     

As school social workers we briefly talk about problems with students, parents, and teachers and tend to spend more time discussing solutions to maximize the success we hope for in our work.  So, if the problem is summer brain…the solution is mindfulness!   

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment and noticing inner experiences like thoughts and feelings.  Research shows that mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety.  

Parents, children and teens may benefit from discussing their perception of mindfulness with each other and, hopefully, this article will encourage just that.  

What examples can you come up with where you are already using mindfulness?  You might surprise yourself and build confidence by starting there!  It is certainly very rewarding to do this with a classroom of students, no matter the age, who share their wisdom so freely.  

Here is a brief list to encourage mindfulness as we begin the 2018-19 school year. See if you and your family can add to the list.   

• Create a “daily” gratitude jar where all family members can write down and contribute one good thing (or more) about their day or something they think they did well.
• Establish a particular space at home for everything that will be needed for the following day to ensure backpacks are loaded up and ready to go. Making lunches together the night before can also be a family mindfulness activity.
• Frustrated with an activity? Take a time-out and come back to it later.
• Check your self-talk…is it kind and encouraging?
• Write some positive inspirations and post them around you.
• Deep breathing exercises and stretch breaks can be very helpful.
• Challenge irrational thoughts by asking yourself, “Is this something that I can do anything about today?” If so, take the necessary steps to do just that.
• Eat mindfully.  Notice how your food looks and smells. Rather than rushing, eat slowly, mindfully and take in all of the senses.  
• Make a daily inventory of the things you felt you did well and those you felt you might have done better.
• Remind yourself it happens a little at a time…not all at once!
• Journal!  Journaling can benefit by providing an emotional and physical release as well as providing insight and inspiration.
• Take a walk or enjoy any exercise you prefer.
• Get outside in nature…enjoy the sunset and take in all of the sights, sounds and smells! 
• Experience a loving-kindness meditation…YouTube has some great examples.
• Listen to music.
• Take time to laugh.

Easy does it.  Remember, mindfulness is all about the daily practice, and the more we practice something the more permanent it becomes.  Good self-care has a positive ripple effect to all of those around you, too.