Becoming Mindful of Stress – FREE activity sheets for children

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Let’s hope this year is less stressful.

Stress is something I have been thinking a great deal about recently. Daniel and I currently support many children who are struggling with high levels of stress. They communicate this to us and their teachers through their behaviour. It is hard for teachers, who are also managing their own stress levels, to recognise and reframe children’s apparent ‘misbehaviour’ as stressed or distressed behaviour that communicates a very real need. It is also a challenge to find ways to help children recognise their own experiences and behaviours and to begin to self-regulate.

Daniel and I look forward to running a 28-week training course in Nature Nurture for Aberdeenshire teachers. In this course, we will explore how and why Nature Nurture supports children who are feeling stressed, distressed or who are vulnerable because of their mental health and emotional wellbeing. We know we have a treasure trove of approaches and strategies in Nature Nurture to provide tools for children, staff and parents that can have a huge impact on how they are feeling. We are excited to be starting in February 2022 with our weekly training sessions.

In the meantime, here are a couple of free activity sheets for children (or adults!) to help raise their awareness of the way they are feeling and what can help them to feel better. You can download the PDFs using the links below.

When I Feel Stress – Activity Sheet

When I feel Calm and Alert – Activity Sheet

They can also be the first step towards understanding how best to support an individual with their stress.

Perhaps they can be the first step towards a happier New Year!

Best wishes,

Terri