Mindfulness for Greater Focus
Successful study isn’t just about what you learn, but also about how grounded and calm you feel inside. Engaging in mindfulness meditation is an ideal proactive way for kids to deal with stress and anxiety, so they can absorb information optimally and enter the exam room in a calm and focused state. Study after study has shown that meditation helps improve focus and memory so dedicating just a few minutes a day to this pursuit can work wonders for your child. Meditation has also been show to promote better sleep, which is vital for memory retention and concentration. Mindfulness exercises are simple and quick; they can comprise a simple five-minute breathing exercise. Your child may enjoy the box breathing technique, which involves inhaling air for four seconds, pausing for four seconds, exhaling the air for four seconds, and pausing for four seconds before starting again. In just three to five minutes, the practitioner of this breathing exercise will feel more grounded and ready to concentrate on their work.
Taking Physical Breaks
Rather than studying for hours straight, kids can benefit from taking short breaks to play a game or chat with others every 45 minutes or so. One of the most efficient uses of break time is exercise. Kids can benefit from doing a bit of kids’ yoga or Pilates, running around the yard, or shooting a few hoops. Doing so can help them feel far more refreshed when they return to their desks. It can also help them avoid the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
If your child is finding it hard to focus on their work, there is plenty you can do to encourage them. Start by teaching them about SMART goals and helping them set a few until they are ready to do so on their own. Ensure their study space is quiet, well-lit, and ergonomic. Share the benefits of mindfulness and physical activity with them, so their life is well-balanced, and so they discover how effective it can be to nip stress and anxiety in the bud through natural means.
Kylee Harris is an educator who has taught in elementary schools in Singapore and Hong Kong for 5 years. She lives in Florida and continues to teach life skills to young adults in her community.
