Mindfulness & Relaxation
What is Stress?
Without basic knowledge of the stress response, mindfulness and relaxation skills lack context. Stress is one way that our bodies respond to the day-to-day struggles and demands of life. A little bit of stress can be healthy—it keeps us alert and productive. However, when we experience too much stress, it can result in serious physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms (Therapist Aid, 2020).
The opposite of our stress response is our relaxation response. We can counter act our stress response by activating our relaxation response. Below, you will find different techniques (mindfulness, deep breathing, etc.) to counteract our stress or "fight or flight" response and trigger our relaxation response.
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. But many of us, kids and adults alike, don’t naturally function that way.
When a thought pops into our head, we often think about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. Even if the thought isn’t accurate, we may react to it as if it were.
Practicing mindfulness can help kids notice their emotions and shift to more neutral thinking, like how their breath feels as they inhale and exhale. Being mindful can help kids manage their emotions and tackle challenges.
Mindfulness may not come naturally to most kids, but it can be learned!
Download FREE Mindfulness apps to your phone to practice mindfulness throughout your day. Enable push notifications to practice mindfulness everyday. Apps can be found here:
If you are in need of immediate help, we offer the following resources:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741-741
CPS Student Safety Hotline (OPEN 24/7 during non-school hours and/or closures): 773-553-3335
Trevor Project Hotline (LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386
**If you are ever unsure who to dial, call 911**
Disclaimer: The following page is intended for psychological education and support. Any individual in need of ongoing treatment should consult with their pediatrician or school-based clinician (counselor, social worker, psychologist, nurse)