During the summer, I was given the opportunity to teach elementary school kids (ages 7-10) about the importance of stress management. I believe that it is important to learn about stress because some kids experience stress and pressures even during elementary school and may not understand how to express their discomforts and manage their stress. I even remember elementary school students mentioning how they feel nervous because of daily homework and classwork!

Keeping this in mind, I had this workshop to help them understand and identify stress, discuss how they deal with it, and provide ideas of techniques that they are familiar with, so they can use it on their own. Of course, each student is different, so I designed this presentation, so I could give suggestions on different mindfulness and yoga techniques and also allow them to find out what works for them. For example, some of the kids told me that meditation was hard for them because they can't stay still for a long time, so I advised that they try an activating practice like Sun Salutations, which they have learned, to energize and relieve stress.

During the presentation, I made sure to provide hands-on activities, so they can understand and connect with the mindfulness tips.

Overall, the kids enjoyed the presentation, and I gained great insight from them as I individually learned about the pressures that are put on them, even as elementary school students, or about the fears they have.

To watch the highlights of this workshop, watch this video.