In today’s busy world, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed or distracted by the many tasks that come at us on a day-to-day basis. At times, it can feel like we have never had a moment to ourselves or time to enjoy life. We can also feel like we are tied to our devices and cannot get away from the many responsibilities on our plate.

This is a problem for our students – but also for educators.

How many times have you not been mentally present with family, friends and coworkers because your mind is on your students, classroom, teachers or school? How many times have you spent an entire day on a device – rather than getting out of the house and enjoying life with friends? How many times have you checked your messages, email or social media during dinner – rather than spending that quality time with your family?

If I am being honest, I have been guilty of all of these things on more than one occasion.

So, I started thinking about how teachers can practice mindfulness with their students. How can teachers be an example of work-life balance to the students in their classroom?

Enter…the Mindfulness Calendar!

Mindfulness the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. By practicing mindfulness, we will become aware of our thoughts, emotions and surroundings. We will practice being “present” in our lives and creating work-life balance.

The Mindfulness Calendar is simple – teachers and students will create a calendar of activities that will challenge them to do something besides work and/or school. These activities could include:

• Going on a walk.
• Asking three people about their day.
• Spending a whole day without technology.
• Trying something new.
• Cooking your favorite meal.
• Planning a trip.
• And more!

Below, you will find a template and an example of the Mindfulness Calendar. In this Google Doc, teachers and students will be challenged to pick a minimum of one activity per week to practice mindfulness. Activities and ideas are included within the document – but challenge yourself and students to pick their own activities, too!

Mindfulness Calendar

(Click HERE for your own copy!)

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How do you practice mindfulness in your life and with your students? Share in the comments below!