Jennifer Smith
It’s (almost) summertime! For many kids, teens, and young adults, summer days bring more free time and a break from the tight-knit schedule that exists during the school year. This can be a relief for some people but it can also be an anxiety trigger. If you can relate to this anxious feeling, check out the reading list below where you will find some helpful workbooks and books on mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness, you will learn to live in the present which, among many health benefits, can decrease anxiety levels. Happy summer and don’t forget to be in the now!
Summer Reading
BOOKS:
This book is chockablock with advice and instruction: Its five chapters contain 50 sections in all. The book starts your day with what you do at home in the morning. Then, it takes you to work, play, love and then back home again. So, you start with showering and breakfasting mindfully; continue with leading mindful meetings, starting tough conversations, and banishing multitasking; go on to engaging your life and love with curiosity; and land back at home to savor your day and ease into sleep. Hard to imagine anyone being quite this mindful, but for those of us who aspire, this is an easy-to-follow handy guidebook.
With mindfulness being taught in an increasing number of schools, many students are learning how mindful practices can help them deal with busy school days, high expectations, relationships, and the omnipresence of social media. Biegel, a psychotherapist and the creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens, knows the aspects of mindfulness most useful for young people, and this book lays these out clearly. Without talking down to anyone, Biegel identifies simple actions that young people can take for self-care, easing anxiety, and cultivating more ease. This book will help in the vital work of empowering teens to improve their own wellness.
