Unit 2: Combating Chronic Stress with mindfulness
Compating Chronic Stress With Mindfulness
Return to: ETAP 623 Spring 2020 (Zhang) | Mindfulness in the Elementary Classroom | Unit 1: What is Mindfulness? | Unit 3: Different Types of Mindfulness Practices | Unit 4: How can you implement mindfulness into your classroom?
An Overview of this Unit
By completing this unit you will meet the following learning objectives:
1: Identify how stress affects the brain.
2: Analyze how students can benefit from mindfulness.
Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health
In today's society of high stakes testing and social media, children are faced with more stress and anxiety than ever before. It can be overwhelming to find the daily balance of academics, socializing, and responsibilities. The CDC states, "Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day". According to Science Daily, more than 1 in 20 children age 18 and younger suffer from anxiety in the United States. [1]The CDC reports 7% of children ages 6-11 to suffer from anxiety. For children aged 11-18, the percentage of children suffering from anxiety jumps to 11%.
The bar graph above shows data collected by the CDC. Looking at this information think about how these numbers may be different if we were to equip children with the tools they need to practice mindfulness and self-regulation. Reflect on how would teaching children mindfulness at a young age help them as they progress into adulthood.[2]
Stress and its impact on the Brain
Stress isn't always a bad thing. Short term stress can help us run away from danger, finish an assignment, or even win a soccer game! However, prolonged chronic stress can change your brain drastically. Watch the video below to learn the impact of chronic stress on the brain.
How can we reverse the effects of cortisol on the brain?
Click here to open our Collaboration Nearpod use the code PYFQN to join the discussion board as a student. Respond to the questions: How does cortisol affect the brain? What are some mindful activities we could do to reverse the effects? -- Feel free to add pictures or images that support your answer to our collaborative board.
Your contributions will be public to any other participants in this course. Feel free to respond to other members.