S5E09 - Yasmin Mukadam shares mindful strategies for nurturing young minds

Join us as we meet with Yasmin Mukadam and learn about Mindfulness in Early Years.  Find out more about the conversation below, and subscribe for more interesting conversations in care, health, early years and education. We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 7 February.   00:00 Introduction and Background 01:14 Importance of Mindfulness 05:03 Mindfulness in Early Childhood 06:37 Mindfulness for Practitioners 07:00 Mindfulness in Early Years Settings 14:58 Connection Between Mindfulness and Yoga 19:30 Mindfulness in Transitions and Circle Time 21:27 Making Yoga and Mindfulness Accessible 23:49 Mindfulness during Commute 26:49 Journaling and Reflective Practice 29:44 Benefits of Mindfulness in Early Years 31:58 Practical Tips for Implementing Mindfulness 34:36 Importance of Wellbeing Policies 38:49 Promoting Mindfulness in Early Years 41:50 Book Recommendation and Conclusion   Summary In this conversation, Yasmin Mukadam discusses the importance of mindfulness in early years education. She explains that mindfulness is about being in the present moment with awareness and without judgment. Yasmin emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness for both practitioners and children, including improved focus, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced social and emotional learning. She suggests practical ways to introduce mindfulness into early years settings, such as mindful walks, breathing exercises, and journaling. Yasmin also highlights the connection between mindfulness and yoga, and the positive impact of mindfulness on transitions and circle time. She concludes by recommending her book, 'Mindfulness in Early Years,' as a resource for implementing mindfulness practices in early years education. In this conversation, we explore the importance of mental health and discuss common mental health issues, stigma, support and resources, and self-care and coping strategies. The conversation emphasises the need to prioritise mental health and provides valuable insights and resources for individuals facing mental health challenges. Takeaways

• Mindfulness is about being in the present moment with awareness and without judgement.
• Practising mindfulness can improve focus, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance social and emotional learning.
• Mindfulness can be introduced in early years settings through activities such as mindful walks, breathing exercises, and journaling.
• There is a connection between mindfulness and yoga, and both can be beneficial for practitioners and children.
• Promoting mindfulness in early years education can support children's overall wellbeing and help them develop self-regulation skills. Mental health is as important as physical health and should be prioritised.
• Common mental health issues include anxiety, depression, and stress.
• Stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health can prevent individuals from seeking help.
• There are various support systems and resources available for individuals facing mental health challenges.
• Self-care and coping strategies play a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being.

Find Mindfulness in Early Years on the Routledge website here; https://ww.routledge.com/Mindfulness-in-Early-Years-Strategies-and-Approaches-to-Nurturing-Young/Mukadam/p/book/9780367142087

or via Amazon here;

Mindfulness in Early Years: Strategies and Approaches to Nurturing Young Minds: Amazon.co.uk: Mukadam, Yasmin: 9780367142087: Books

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