Students just as much as adults need to take care of both emotional and social well-being. With the increasing pressure to succeed academically, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Therefore, engaging in calming activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase focus. Here are five emotional and social calming activities that students can try:
- Mindful breathing: Mindful breathing is a simple but effective way to calm down and focus on the present moment. Create a quiet place, sit, and have students close their eyes. Tell students to take a deep breath in through their nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through the mouth. Focus on the sensation of the air flowing in and out of the body. Repeat this for a few minutes or until you feel more relaxed. Alternative: Students can do this on their own by doing the Five Finger breathing or by the four square breathing.
- Journaling: Student can take a 5 – 10 minutes to journal. Writing down their thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process emotions and reduce stress. Set aside some time each class to write about their experiences, worries, and goals. You can also use journal prompts to guide their writing and spark new insights.
- Yoga or stretching: Practicing yoga or stretching can help release tension in the body and calm the mind. Look for guided student yoga or stretching videos online or images to try with students. Even just a few minutes of stretching during study breaks can make a big difference in how they feel and is a great brain break.
- Socializing with friends: Spending time with friends and loved ones can help improve their mood and reduce stress. Make time for social time in the classroom. The time you allow does not need to be long. Give students 3-5 minutes to take with one another and let them move around. Collect their attention and get them back on task when time runs out. You can also give them some prompts to talk about for example “This or That” or “Would you Rather” prompts.
- Listening to music: Music can have a powerful effect on our emotions and can be a great way to relax and unwind. Create a playlist of favorite calming songs appropriate for the classroom or find pre-made playlists on music streaming platforms. You can also listen to nature sounds or white noise to block out distractions and improve focus. Be sure to mix up when you listen to music in your classroom as students will expect this daily and feel as if they can only work when music is played.
Overall, taking care of a students emotional and social well-being is important for academic success and personal fulfillment. Incorporating these calming activities into your students daily routine can help them feel more grounded, centered, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way in your class and in their other classes.