Check in With Yourself

Here is another set of mindfulness activities, this time focused on bringing awareness to your body.

Alone: Take a "body scan." Find a few moments to lay down (perhaps right after you wake up, when you're already laying down!), close your eyes, and deepen your breath. Beginning at the top of your head, slowly bring your attention down the length of your body, noticing the sensations or emotions present in each place your attention comes to rest. Take your time, and notice without judgment. When you reach your toes, close the scan by thinking of something you're grateful for, and set an intention for your day.

Together: Wiggle and Freeze! Begin to wiggle, bounce, dance...move however you'd like, until someone says "Freeze!" During the stillness of your frozen moment, notice all of the sensations in your body - tingles, swaying, the beating of your heart - and then begin to move again. This activity, recommended by Mindful Schools, is super fun to do with kids, but is also a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the freedom of being silly AND receive the benefits of mindfulness.

Try out one or both of these activities, and let us know how your mindfulness practice is progressing!