International Stress Awareness Day: Learning Mindfulness in Preschool

Every year, on November 6th, we recognise International Stress Awareness Day, a special day to remind everyone—adults and children alike—about the importance of taking care of our mental health. Even though preschoolers are still young, they can experience stress too. Let’s learn about the history of this day, why it’s important, and what we can do to help young children feel more relaxed and happy.

The History of International Stress Awareness Day

International Stress Awareness Day was created in 1998 by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA) to help people understand the effects of stress and find ways to manage it. Over the years, it has become an important day for raising awareness about mental health and well-being around the world.

Stress can affect everyone, from adults juggling work and family life to young children adjusting to new routines or learning new things. This day helps remind us to take a step back, look at how we’re feeling, and practice ways to keep calm and peaceful.

Why Stress Awareness Is Important for Preschoolers

Many people think that only adults experience stress, but did you know that even preschoolers can feel stressed? Young children are learning so many new things every day—how to share, how to communicate, and how to express their feelings. Sometimes, all these new experiences can feel overwhelming, and just like adults, children may feel anxious or frustrated.

Some signs that a preschooler might be feeling stressed include:

• Crying more than usual or having tantrums.
• Trouble sleeping or waking up during the night.
• Not wanting to participate in fun activities.
• Being extra clingy with parents or teachers.
• Complaining of tummy aches or headaches.

It’s important to understand that stress is natural and part of life. However, when children feel too much stress, it can affect their ability to learn and grow. That’s why International Stress Awareness Day is a perfect opportunity to learn how we can help young children manage stress and build healthy habits.

The Increasing Importance of Mental Health in Young Children

In today's fast-paced world, stress is becoming more common, even for young children. Preschoolers face new challenges, such as starting school, meeting new friends, and sometimes dealing with big changes at home like a new sibling or moving house. The pressures of these changes can be stressful for little ones who are still learning to understand their emotions.

Research shows that early stress can affect children’s mental health, which is why it’s important to address these feelings early. By teaching preschoolers how to relax and express their emotions in healthy ways, we help them develop lifelong skills for managing stress as they grow older.

What We Can Do to Be More Mindful and Relaxed

Luckily, there are many simple things we can do to help preschoolers—and ourselves—feel calmer and less stressed in an increasingly busy world. Here are some easy ways to practice mindfulness and relaxation with young children:

1. Practice Deep Breathing: One of the easiest ways to help children calm down is to teach them to take deep breaths. You can do this by asking them to pretend they are blowing up a balloon—big, slow breaths in and out. This helps them relax and focus.
2. Mindful Coloring or Drawing: Preschoolers love to color and draw, and this can be a wonderful way for them to relax. Encourage them to use bright colors and take their time as they create something beautiful. Mindful coloring helps them focus on the present moment and express their emotions.
3. Get Moving with Yoga: Simple yoga poses, like stretching up tall like a tree or curling into a small ball like a mouse, can help children feel more in tune with their bodies. Yoga helps reduce stress by encouraging movement and mindfulness.
4. Create a Calm Corner: Set up a special area in the classroom or home where children can go if they feel upset or need a break. Fill the space with soft pillows, books, or quiet toys. This gives children a safe space to relax when they are feeling overwhelmed.
5. Talk About Feelings: Encourage preschoolers to talk about their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated sometimes. Use simple language to help them identify their emotions and find ways to express themselves, such as through words or art.
6. Encourage Playtime: Play is a great way for children to release stress and have fun. Whether it’s building with blocks, playing pretend, or running around outside, play helps children feel happy and free.
7. Read Relaxing Stories: Storytime can be a calming experience for preschoolers. Choose gentle, soothing stories that help children wind down and feel secure. Stories about mindfulness or emotions can also help them understand and manage their feelings better.

Being Mindful in an Increasingly Stressful World

As the world around us becomes busier and more connected, it's important for both adults and children to take time to slow down and relax. By practicing mindfulness and teaching children how to manage stress early on, we help them build the tools they need for a healthy and balanced life.

On International Stress Awareness Day, let's take the time to focus on mental health, not just for ourselves but for the preschoolers in our lives too. By creating a calm, loving environment and teaching children how to manage their feelings, we can help them grow up feeling more confident, happy, and ready to take on the world with a smile!