“Through practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and sensory experiences in the natural world, we teach children to pause, observe, and ground themselves.”
Stress Reduction Strategies for Students: Mindfulness and More
Amy Marotz, M.Ed
Oct 25, 2023
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is an inevitable part of life for both adults and children. At Awakening Spirit Homeschool Collaborative (AWS), we understand that nurturing emotional well-being is just as crucial as academic growth. To address this, we’ve incorporated comprehensive stress reduction strategies that extend beyond conventional methods.
At AWS, we believe in the power of mindfulness and more. Our students, many of whom are highly sensitive or gifted, can face unique challenges in staying regulated and grounded when their minds are moving so quickly. Mindfulness, rooted in nature immersion and holistic education, provides an effective foundation. Through practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and sensory experiences in the natural world, we teach children to pause, observe, and ground themselves.
We go beyond the traditional by creating a carefully curated environment that emphasizes natural materials. From sheepskin rugs to wooden furnishings and soothing minerals, every aspect of our learning space is designed to promote a sense of calm, nurturing, and comfort. Access to essential oils complements this atmosphere, allowing students to engage their senses and find relaxation in aromatherapy.
Furthermore, we have reiki practitioners among our teachers who guide students in harnessing their inner energies and finding balance. Through these practices, students learn to manage stress and develop a deep sense of well-being.
We’re not the only school to recognize the power of mindfulness- for more information, check out “Mindfulness in the Classroom” by Juliann Garey at the Child Mind Institute. and the ERIC document Mindfulness -Based Practices for Schools. Both of these articles speak to adopting mindfulness in a traditional classroom, to help manage student stress.
It’s important to differentiate that at AWS, we don’t just teach students to manage stress; we empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our unique blend of mindfulness, sensory engagement, reiki, and natural elements provides students with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate stress with resilience, creativity, and joy.