In the bustling environment of a new school year, establishing routines and procedures is a priority. This includes teaching students how to organize their materials, select books from the library, and adhere to classroom rules. However, this period also presents an ideal opportunity to introduce the concept of mindfulness to students. Mindfulness extends beyond mere awareness; it involves intentional focus on the present moment without judgment, as explained by acclaimed mind-body author Jon Kabat-Zinn. Maura Bradley, author of Mindfulness for Kids, describes mindfulness as being fully present in your surroundings, activities, and emotions. Bradley asserts that mindfulness can significantly enhance our lives by reducing stress and anxiety and improving focus. In 2015, I embarked on an eight-week mindfulness stress-reduction journey based on Kabat-Zinn’s book, Full Catastrophe Living. Each week, we delved into a new mindfulness technique. The intention behind learning various methods was to discover one that resonated with each participant. At that time, I was teaching 2nd grade and decided to incorporate simplified versions of these exercises into our morning meetings. The results were astounding. Every day, for two to three minutes, we practiced mindfulness. All 20-plus students sat cross-legged on the rug, usually with their eyes closed. Parents expressed their gratitude for this initiative, sharing stories of their children enthusiastically discussing our mindfulness routine at home. One student, who often appeared disengaged during these sessions, surprised me when his mother revealed that he spoke highly of our mindfulness practice. Another student suggested adding an afternoon session to help calm the post-lunch chaos. Introducing mindfulness to your students can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. Here are a few techniques to consider: 1. Five-Finger Breathing: This activity requires just one hand and is easy for students to remember. Inhale while tracing your thumb with the pointer finger of your other hand, then exhale as you trace down the other side. Repeat this process with the other four fingers. This grounding activity is particularly helpful before tests or other stressful situations. 2. Anchor Breathing: Identify three main spots where you feel your breath – the abdomen, chest, and throat. After placing your hand on each spot while breathing in and out, determine where you felt your breath most prominently. This spot becomes your anchor. Focusing on this anchor spot while taking deep breaths can help refocus and calm nerves. 3. 20 Breaths: This exercise involves counting and breathing. Inhale and exhale ten times, counting each breath. After reaching ten, count backward to zero. 4. Thought Train: This exercise involves acknowledging thoughts without letting them derail your focus. As thoughts arise during breathing exercises, simply return your focus to your breath. 5. Sounds: Paying attention to surrounding sounds can also aid in practicing mindfulness. Encourage students to share what they noticed after focusing on sounds near and far. 6. Movement: Incorporating yoga poses into mindfulness exercises can help students stay present. Poses like Down Dog, Mountain, Tree, Chair, and Warrior 2 can also instill desirable traits such as bravery and steadiness. Involving students in planning these exercises can further enhance their engagement. Consider assigning a “Mindfulness Chooser” role as part of your classroom jobs. Although a quiet spot with closed eyes is ideal for practicing mindfulness, these exercises can be incorporated anytime, anywhere. The key is to breathe and focus on the present moment intentionally. This mindful self-care practice can have profound effects on reducing stress and promoting self-kindness among students.