Frenship’s Mental Health Minute includes a monthly theme and challenge. The theme for April is centered around Mindfulness. The idea for this theme is that students and Frenship families will reflect on what they are grateful for and how they can put that into action to help others in the community.  

This month, students will be challenged to think silently about what they are grateful for. They are also challenged to put this silent thinking into action before their next big event like a sports event or test.  

Frenship families are encouraged to discuss what they are grateful for today, and how they can put that into action to help those in the community.  

Oak Ridge Elementary School Counselor Alison Chandler believes that mindfulness is something that recenters a person's thoughts and brings a sense of calm and clarity in the midst of everyday stress. 

“Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment by being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. For students and families, this theme is especially important because it provides tools to manage stress, build emotional awareness, and foster stronger relationships,” said Chandler.  

Mindfulness in the school setting involves students taking intentional moments to pause, reflect, and become aware of their emotions and surroundings so they can better manage stress and stay focused throughout the day. 

“In a school setting, students are often juggling academics, social pressures, extracurriculars, and personal challenges,” said Chandler. “Mindfulness offers them a way to pause, breathe, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. It supports focus in the classroom, emotional regulation during conflicts, and a sense of calm in stressful situations like tests or peer dynamics.” 

Chandler also has seen that when families practice mindfulness it can positively impact the overall well-being of the household, creating a calmer environment and deepening family connections. 

“For families, mindfulness can create space for more meaningful communication, reduce daily stress, and model healthy coping strategies at home. When both students and their caregivers practice mindfulness, it strengthens the home-school connection and promotes a culture of compassion, presence, and resilience,” said Chandler.  

Mindfulness is a life-long skill that further develops a person's overall wellbeing and emotional intelligence.  

“As a school counselor, I see mindfulness not just as the current hype, but as a life skill that supports the whole child, both academically and emotionally. Helping students develop this awareness early on sets the foundation for lifelong mental wellness and stronger, more empathetic and resilient individuals,” said Chandler.  

Gratitude plays a big part in practicing mindfulness because it encourages individuals to slow down and intentionally recognize the positive moments in their day. 

“Gratitude is a powerful part of mindfulness because it helps shift our focus from stress to appreciation. Even a few quiet moments of reflection can boost mood, increase empathy, and help students feel more grounded and present,” said Chandler. “As a school counselor, I’ve seen how gratitude builds emotional resilience and strengthens relationships both at school and at home. Encouraging students to notice the good in their day, no matter how small, is a simple yet meaningful way to support their overall well-being.” 

As the spring semester continues to become busy with school events and testing, it’s easy for students and families to become overwhelmed. Chandler believes that this is why mindfulness is such an important mental health practice.  

“Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity,” said Chandler. “For students, this can help improve focus in class, manage stress, and support emotional regulation. For families, it can strengthen communication, reduce daily tension, and model healthy coping strategies at home.” 

Chandler suggests a few ways that students can incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines at school or at home. She shares that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out her list below:  

• Take a mindful breath before starting a task, like a test or homework. Just a few deep inhales and exhales can calm the mind and improve focus. 
• Do a quick body scan pausing to notice how your body feels from head to toe. This helps students tune into their emotions and physical state. 
• Practice gratitude by thinking of one thing they’re thankful for each morning or before bed. 
• Go tech-free for a moment by stepping away from screens and being present with what’s around them. 
• Take a mindful walk, even if it’s just down the hallway or around the house, paying attention to sounds, sights, or sensations. 
• Stop and eat a healthy snack, like an orange. Notice how it tastes, smells, feels, sounds, and looks as you enjoy it. 

She also encourages students who may be struggling with slowing down or staying present during stressful moments to take small, manageable steps and give themselves grace in the process. 

“For students who struggle to slow down or stay present during stressful moments, my first piece of advice is this: start small and be kind to yourself. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when there’s a lot going on academically, socially, or emotionally. Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating just a little space to breathe and reset. It takes practice and it is okay if you don’t get it right the first time,” said Chandler.  

Chandler explains that mindfulness can be a powerful tool in helping students navigate stress and anxiety by promoting self-compassion and emotional awareness. 

“Mindfulness encourages students to treat themselves with kindness and patience, which is especially important when managing anxiety,” said Chandler. “Instead of fighting negative emotions, they learn to accept them and shift their focus to what’s in their control, like their breath or their immediate environment. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness a day can help students feel more grounded, more in control, and better equipped to navigate the challenges that come their way.” 

Chandler encourages families and staff to view mindfulness not as a quick fix, but as a meaningful habit that supports lasting emotional health. She explains that regular mindfulness practice can empower both students and adults to stay centered, navigate challenges thoughtfully, and build deeper connections with others. 

“One of the most important things I’d like families and staff to know is that mindfulness isn’t just a tool for managing stress. It’s a practice that strengthens emotional resilience and builds long-term well-being. It’s something that, when practiced regularly, helps students (and adults) stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and connect more deeply with others. The more we incorporate mindfulness into daily life, at school and at home, the more we model emotional awareness and resilience for our students.” 

The Frenship Counseling Department believes that by fostering mindfulness in schools and at home, students can develop greater emotional awareness, strengthen their ability to manage stress, and build habits that support lifelong well-being and personal growth. 

For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.