Today’s high school student really is a different breed. It is no wonder they often appear to be highly strung and have a lot on their minds – education has never been this all-encompassing and time consuming. Going from a full 7 hours of school, in which they are surrounded by academic pressure, non-stop chatter from friends and stressed out teachers, they usually extend their day with sports practice, music lessons, extra lessons, choir, gym and homework (sometimes all in one day).
We accept this as the norm as teenagers are expected to be full of the boundless energy of youth, eager to learn and be well rounded individuals. This, however true, cannot completely offset the effects of an intensely busy schedule. Coping with not only having to be involved in so much, but often with the expectation of excelling at each task, can be very difficult regardless of perceived competency.
The necessity of developing mechanisms in which students can help themselves remain relaxed, compartmentalize their lives and keep their activities in perspective is growing. Mindfulness itself can act as a buffer between these activities and the student’s sense of self, helping to ensure they approach each endeavour with a sense of calm focus, without feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Mindfulness acts as a built-in system of relaxation and mental pit-stops during and between activities, and can help the student re-motivate him or herself for the routine of school and extra-curricular activity.
Being able to continue to function as a teenager in a calm and focussed manner is not something students are often taught. Also, it is something very few students naturally pick up and employ. Learning the fundamentals of Mindfulness can go a long way in giving the student a sense of control over their own balance and happiness as well as giving them the skills to gradually relax and refocus themselves when necessary. In short, Mindfulness is a concept that should be in the forefront of all teenagers’ minds (and adults’ for that matter), as a tool to regain mental clarity and calm without changing a single thing in a busy but necessary schedule.
We accept this as the norm as teenagers are expected to be full of the boundless energy of youth, eager to learn and be well rounded individuals. This, however true, cannot completely offset the effects of an intensely busy schedule. Coping with not only having to be involved in so much, but often with the expectation of excelling at each task, can be very difficult regardless of perceived competency.
The necessity of developing mechanisms in which students can help themselves remain relaxed, compartmentalize their lives and keep their activities in perspective is growing. Mindfulness itself can act as a buffer between these activities and the student’s sense of self, helping to ensure they approach each endeavour with a sense of calm focus, without feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Mindfulness acts as a built-in system of relaxation and mental pit-stops during and between activities, and can help the student re-motivate him or herself for the routine of school and extra-curricular activity.
Being able to continue to function as a teenager in a calm and focussed manner is not something students are often taught. Also, it is something very few students naturally pick up and employ. Learning the fundamentals of Mindfulness can go a long way in giving the student a sense of control over their own balance and happiness as well as giving them the skills to gradually relax and refocus themselves when necessary. In short, Mindfulness is a concept that should be in the forefront of all teenagers’ minds (and adults’ for that matter), as a tool to regain mental clarity and calm without changing a single thing in a busy but necessary schedule.
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