Mindfulness For Teens | POF30

Our teens are faced with so much stress that we can often look past, minimize or disregard what they are going through until the bottom falls out, they get in trouble, or start engaging in dangerous or self-destructive behavior.  My guest Jennie Marie Battistin, explains Mindfulness as “…being fully present and cultivating awareness of your surroundings and your actions.”   Practices of mindfulness can help you respond better to stress, improve your relationships and perform better in school (and work).  Learn how to check in with your kids in a non-threatening way, get them to engage in mindfulness so they can learn these techniques now, so you have them for the future!   About Jennie Marie Battistin Jennie Marie Battistin, master-level physician and adolescence psychotherapist, whose new book Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day: Exercises to Feel Calm, Stay Focused & Be Your Best Self  [Rockridge Press, September 2019] helps parents take back just 10 minutes a day to help their teens stop stressing about the things that are leading to overwhelming feelings around relationships, social media, homework, tight schedules, and life planning.   Including 60 practical guided mindfulness exercises with names like “Show Me The Love” and “Procrastination Pit”, teens will learn how to bring focus and joy back to their day, and equip them with stress combatting tools they’ll carry well beyond their teen years. Facebook: Facebook.com/HopeTherapyCenter Instagram: Instagram.com/Hope_Therapy_Center Email: [email protected] Phone: 818-639-3003   From the Podcast: Easing into mindfulness – just with breathwork alone, we can see changes in the brain that can make a positive impact in your life.  These techniques and many more are found in Jennie’s book, Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day.   4 Square Breathing This Breathing technique is probably one of the easiest and quickest ways to calm the brain and bring you back to the present moment with an alert and stress-free mind.  If possible, use this breathing technique for at least 8 minutes to maximize results. Close your eyes and imagine a relaxing environment.  An example is to picture the beach or ocean.  As you inhale, imagine the waves gently rolling up the beach and you exhale imagine the waves rolling back out. find a comfortable position to sit, with both feet placed firmly on the ground. Take a minute to notice your current body state and the pattern of your breathing. Once you have settled into place and your starting point, place both hands either on your diaphragm or, with palms up, resting on your thighs. Slowly inhale for a count of four (counting in your head) inhale, 2, 3, 4. Notice your belly rise Hold