We all want our kids to have the best lives and become happy, well-adjusted adults. The question is, how do we do that? Mindfulness skills training is one way to help our teens navigate the difficulties that life can bring. Research suggests that mindfulness skills training helps to increase focus, reduce perceived stress levels, decrease depressive symptoms and improve working memory (Davis & Hayes, 2012). 

These are things that we all want for our kids and as I am writing this, I am questioning why this has not been taught to each of us from a very young age? Our goal is to change that and offer a mindfulness skills group that help your teen thrive. 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being in the present moment (Harvard Health, 2020). Often, we are physically here but our minds are future focused; thinking about what we are going to do later or the argument we had last night. Constant focus on the past or future robs us of enjoying what is happening here in the present. This practice of mindfulness helps to bring ourselves back to this moment in time. 

Who Can Practice Mindfulness?

Anyone can practice mindfulness! Mindfulness is easy, can be done anywhere, anytime. To begin practicing mindfulness, we need intention or a goal. It is as easy as focusing on your breath, bringing your attention to the smells, sounds and feelings in our body (Pal et al., 2018). Rather than running on autopilot, we become in charge of our thoughts and actions.

What Does Mindfulness Feel Like? 

My best example of mindfulness comes from times when we are fully engaged in what is happening right now and not thinking about anything else. For me, I am fully present while I am in a tough tennis match, watching live music or laughing with my best friend. During these times, I am not thinking about anything but what is right here. My goal is that we all have more of these moments and less of a life where we miss the present because we are in the past or future. 

Thanks for being here! 

Teresa Terry, LPC

References

Benefits of Mindfulness - HelpGuide.org

5 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life. (2018, August 27). Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/take-a-mindful-moment-5-simple-practices-for-daily-life/#:~:text=5%20Simple%20Mindfulness%20Practices%20for%20Daily%20Life%201

Teresa Terry, LPC