7 Simple Mindfulness Hacks To Calm an Anxious Child

If the children in your life are anything like mine they feel and express emotions fully and live in the moment. In fact, it can be difficult to get them to transition from one moment to the next. Their minds are designed to concentrate intensely on one thing at a time. Children are naturally mindful little people.

And the adults in their lives can give them guidance to maintain the ability to feel and express emotions and live in the moment. A more mindful way of thinking means problem-solving skills, self-awareness and regulation and empathy for others. Luckily, I’ve found these 7 simple mindfulness hacks to calm an anxious child.

7 Simple Mindfulness Hacks to Calm an Anxious Child!

Mindfulness has become somewhat of a buzzword lately. And it’s often associated with meditation. But it’s really about awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. And there are simple ways to teach the techniques of mindfulness at a young age that will have lifelong benefits.

7 Simple Mindfulness Hacks To Calm an Anxious Child

Sensory Activities

One of the first steps toward mindful living is experiencing our surroundings with a multi-sensory approach. Mindfulness means noticing and appreciating sights, sounds, tastes, textures, smells and feelings. Through sensory activities kids will explore and develop this important skill.

Mindful Eating

Our sense of taste can become an important tool in moment by moment awareness and self-regulation. Through mindful eating kids slow down, notice sensations, increase their interoceptive skills and develop appreciation for nutrition and a healthy body.

Exercises

You don’t have to be a master yogi to pass along mindfulness through exercise. Some simple yoga poses and movement activities will teach kids to be aware of their bodies, increasing proprioceptive skills. These exercises are helpful for calming anxiety and anger.

Deep Breathing

The first thing we often hear when we are stressed is to take a deep breath. Deep breathing has almost magical effects for our body, lowering blood pressure and slowing our adrenaline. Mindful awareness by deep breathing can be taught to kids and will help them calm their anxiety or regain control after a meltdown.

Recognizing Emotions

Acknowledging and working through emotions is just as crucial to a mindful lifestyle as is taking care of our bodies. Through guidance and some simple techniques kids can increase their emotional intelligence, become more self-aware and develop strong interpersonal skills.

Recognizing Triggers

Everyone experiences anger as an emotion at some point. Being able to identify and understand what triggers an angry response can help kids work through that anger more effectively. Mindful observation and a solid strategy during triggered situations will result in less stress for everyone.

Reverse Negative Thinking

Negative thinking patterns often go along with anxiety disorders. A mindful approach to identifying those negative thoughts can help turn them upside down. With time, mindfulness has the power to change brain patterns to allow more optimistic thinking.

Mindfulness may seem like a trend at the moment. But it’s a positive one! Self-awareness, appreciation for our bodies and emotions and empathy for others are gifts that we can give our children. Through these simple mindfulness techniques we can be doing our part to raise a connected and compassionate next generation. And that sounds good to me!

7 Simple Mindfulness Hacks to Calm an Anxious Child!

How do you take steps to be more mindful? Which of these activities do you think will benefit the children in your life the most?

profile photo Amy is a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and writer. She loves sharing what she knows about family, play and early learning. Away from the computer you can find her spending family time, organizing or decorating her home, reading a good self-help and occasionally pretending she knows how to cook but she usually leaves that to her awesome husband! You can find out more about her at Firefly Writing. 

For More Adventures in Mindfulness, Check Out:

Simple sensory Activities that teach children mindfulness

7 Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Calm an Angry Child!

5 thoughts on “7 Simple Mindfulness Hacks To Calm an Anxious Child”

  1. I’d love to hear more tips on how to help children reverse negative thinking patterns when they are anxious or angry

    1. Lemon Lime Adventures

      Have you seen the post I have on reversing negative thinking patterns? If you let me know what your little one is struggling with I can be more specific.

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  3. Thank you for this great article, Amy!
    What do you think about meditation? Do you think kids should meditate?
    I think they should but I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.
    I would just like to add that meditation isn’t what many imagine. It doesn’t necessary involve sitting cross-legged under a tree chanting. Meditation is simply giving the brain chance to rest. The world is a hectic place and there are plenty of reasons to be anxious. Giving children the skills to find peace in all the madness is an amazing gift.

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