PHENOMA practical book for schools 2019 PHENOMA practical book for schools 2019 | Page 80

All these dysfunctions influence students’ well-being and without doubt lower their self-
esteem. What is more a stressed out individual finds it hard to focus during lectures and
studying. Stress worsens cognitive skills, impairs memory and leads to apathy and anxiety. The
WHO ( World Health Organization) threatens that in 2020 depression will be the most common
problem among teenagers. The evidence shows that too much stress has its own share in
developing depression.
All our efforts and best techniques, effective methods and high professional competence are of
no use unless we know how to help our students cope with stress. So if we want our students
to succeed academically and be able to use their potential fully, stress education ought to be
part of every school curriculum.
Or project group has proposed a powerful strategy to reduce the level of stress and anxiety,
which we believe is a valuable life skill. The technique is becoming more and more popular
nowadays.in various public institutions.
School should be a place which helps young people to be able to cope with
stress, anxiety, poor concentration, depressive moods. Only then will they be
able to grow and thrive and become responsible, well-adjusted individuals.
Mindfulness Technique
According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, who learned mindful practices in the East and brought them to
the West, “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, to the
present moment, without any judgment. It is about observing your thoughts and the ways they
are impacting you feelings, emotions and physical body. It is being aware of what is going on
in your consciousness.”
Our negative thoughts have a big influence on the way we see the world and ourselves.
Being mindful means living in the present moment instead of being stuck in the past or in the
future. By practicing mindfulness, you teach your mind to focus on what’s important to you in
the present moment, to pay attention to what is happening around you and inside of you. Being
mindful also allows you to see things as they really are, because random thoughts, judgments
and opinions no longer get in the way. Mindfulness is like a flashlight. You choose where you
want to direct the light.