Mindfulness and meditation are often proposed as solutions to stress and anxiety. But what exactly are mindfulness and meditation, how do they differ, and what are some tips to get started?
Year 11s practising yoga during Wellness
The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) defines mindfulness as 'the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose'. Mindfulness activities have been shown to improve attention, concentration, creativity and self regulation in all students. It can have an especially positive impact on neurodiverse students, with some studies showing meaningful improvements in students with ADHD or an ADHD diagnosis (Burke, 2010).
This term, mindfulness will be a focus of the Wellness Program. Students will develop their understanding of the need for mindfulness, learn specific mindfulness techniques and have the opportunity to practise mindfulness. Our commitment to educating the whole person continues in our Wellness lessons as we also focus on body awareness, stress, de escalation and self regulation.
All staff play a pivotal role in supporting the psycho education of students at Siena by overseeing these Wellness sessions, engaging daily with the students they teach and committing to the Siena pedagogical model, which places the student at the centre of all we do in the classroom.
For further reading to support your understanding of the power of mindfulness and meditation, please see the following:
