Mindfulness-Based SEL in Action

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Remember that time you really embarrassed yourself, and you play it over and over in your head, cringing a little each time? Or how about your inability to ask for a raise or promotion you deserve because you have told yourself so many times you are not worth it? You let it stew, creating resentment that is a product of your own doubts.

Repeated negative thought patterns are a strangely comfortable nemesis we keep at all times, if for no other reason than that they are familiar.

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The research is strong for mindfulness’ positive impact in certain areas of mental health, including stress reduction, emotion and attention regulation, reduced rumination, for reducing mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and preventing depressive relapse. There’s also some early evidence that it can be advantageous for people struggling with addictions, and appears to be particularly promising for smoking cessation. And when suffering causes someone to “have a fixed and negative view of themselves … or their circumstances,” Rockman says, mindfulness can help give them access to a different perspective, helps them open to other possibilities, and enhances resilience and their capacity to tolerate distress.

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Though at first my daughter resisted the mindfulness—she said the singing bowl they rang to start the sessions hurt her ears and gave her a headache—she slowly came around. She began enjoying the sessions and discovering they helped her focus. Since she began using the skill at school, I've noticed she is better able to center herself at home, too. When she starts freaking out about something, she is able to stop, take a breath, and shift her perspective to come up with a less emotional—and more productive—reaction. For a very sensitive and dramatic kid, this is a major development.

As the closing of the school year zooms into view, we see our end of year responsibilities increasing. We might see an increase in emotional outbursts at work as a result of end of year stress compounding. Click on the picture for three easy tips to decrease emotional outbursts for your or others around you.

Did you know workplace relationships are important for well-being in the workplace? A person's workplace identity can contribute to their social identity, and in turn improve their well-being and life satisfaction. Click on the picture for additional benefits and tips for meaningful connections in the workplace.

Consistency and communication about children's behavior is tremendously important for parents or guardians. Establishing expectations about your children's behavior in many situations is a great conversation to have to better prepare when emotions run high. Click on the picture to see more facts and tips on tackling challenging situations where you must make difficult decisions.