IMG_1401.jpg

Mindfulness in Nature

 

What is mindfulness?

 

Mindfulness is a self-regulation technique that encourages one to be present in the moment with thoughts, feelings, physical sensations without making judgements.

​

Benefits of Mindfulness practices in children

  • Increases executive functioning and cognitive skills.

  • Decrease mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and self-esteem issues.

  • Improves a students sense of well being and improves social interactions.

  • Improves emotional regulation, helping students be able to control their feelings, thoughts, and actions. 

  • Nature offers free, easy, and organic method to introduce mindfulness and promote self-regulation.

  • Nature offers a variety of novel and varies sensory stimuli which can focus student attention to live in the moment.

  • Increases self-awareness, compassion and empathy.

  • Improves conflict resolution strategies and emotional regulation.

 

Benefits of learning in nature​

  • Exposure to environment-based education significantly increases student performance on tests of their critical thinking skills.

  • Play protects children’s emotional development, whereas loss of free time and a hurried lifestyle can contribute to anxiety and depression.

  • Nature enhances social interactions, value for community, and close relationships.

  • Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies,

  • Spending time outside raises levels of vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.

  • Positive relationship between engagement in natural settings and well-bring, whereas detachment from nature is related to diseases 

  • Being outside improves distance vision and lowers the chance of nearsightedness.

  • Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.

​

​

Additional Research Supporting Nature Based Education and Mindfulness Practices

​

Educators