# data[].attributes.headline
Continuity of schooling:Supporting primary pupils who are at very high risk to COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
Continuity of schooling:Supporting primary pupils who are at very high risk to COVID-19

# data[].attributes.headline
Supports for the Special Education sector in the Reopening of Schools

# data[].attributes.subject
Supports for the Special Education sector in the Reopening of Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Other resources for schools include guidance and advice for teachers to support students in the areas of behavioural regulation, managing stress and anxiety, as well as supporting teacher wellbeing and self-care. Some of the strategies and resources will be helpful in supporting students in the initial stages of the return to school, while others will assist with interventions throughout the upcoming school year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supports for the Special Education sector in the Reopening of Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Other resources for schools include guidance and advice for teachers to support students in the areas of behavioural regulation, managing stress and anxiety, as well as supporting teacher wellbeing and self-care. Some of the strategies and resources will be helpful in supporting students in the initial stages of the return to school, while others will assist with interventions throughout the upcoming school year.

# data[].attributes.headline
Continuity of schooling:Supporting post-primary students who are at very high risk to COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
Continuity of schooling:Supporting post-primary students who are at very high risk to COVID-19

# data[].attributes.headline
Guidance on COVID-19Respiratory Care in School for Children with Tracheostomywho require suctioning while in scho

# data[].attributes.subject
Guidance on COVID-19Respiratory Care in School for Children with Tracheostomywho require suctioning while in scho

# data[].attributes.headline
Interim HSE advice in relation to return to school and at risk groups

# data[].attributes.subject
Interim HSE advice in relation to return to school and at risk groups

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rainbows Ireland has developed a resource framework for those working and supporting children on their return to school and the community, as the COVID -19 restrictions lift

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.rainbowsireland.ie/download-pdf/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
TheLearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brain Breaks - Action Songs for Children - Move and Freeze - Kids Songs by The Learning Station

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBE’s Virtual Calming Room - Music and Sounds

# data[].attributes.headline
Social Story - Getting a test for Covid 19

# data[].attributes.subject
Social Story - Getting a test for Covid 19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's a very strange time. Schools are closed, there is no football training, no swimming, no drama, music or dance classes. We're not allowed to visit our friends or our grandparents. This is all because of the Coronavirus. But what is the Coronavirus, what can you do to help and where can you go if you are worried about everything that is happening?

The Ombudsman for Children's Office has put together some information for children and young people to help you through this time.

What is the Coronavirus?

In the past few weeks everyone has been talking about the Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19.

The Coronavirus is a new virus that is spreading across the world and causing a lot of people to be very sick and some people are dying. We have all had a cold or a flu before, that is a virus and although we may feel very sick our bodies know what the flu is and we can fight it. Because the coronavirus is new our bodies don't have the proper tools to fight it so it is more dangerous. That's why schools are closed and people are worried.

What happens when you have Coronavirus?

Mostly, it makes people cough, feel tired and have a fever. Anyone can get Coronavirus but it is much worse for older people like our parents or grandparents, and it can be very dangerous for people who already have an illness, people who have asthma, those recovering from cancer or lots of other problems. It is really important that we stop the spread of the virus to protect everybody.

How to know if you have Coronavirus?

If you feel sick, tell your parents or guardian and they will call your doctor. If your doctor thinks you need a test they will put you on the list. When you get your test, the person carrying it out will take a sample from your nose and throat with a cotton bud. They will be all covered up, wearing protective clothes to make sure they don't get the virus and pass it on. You will get your result in a few days.

If you think you have Coronavirus...

Even before you get a test or know for sure that you have Coronavirus, if you have a temperature or a cough, you should self-isolate - this means that you need to stay at home and not mix with other people.

How to stop the spread of Coronavirus?

The Government has closed schools and colleges, and they have asked people to work from home so that people are not mixing and that they are not leaving the house if they don't need to. A lot of businesses have closed and when you are outside or in a supermarket everyone has been asked to stay at least 2 metres away from everyone else. This is called social distancing.

Following these guidelines is really important. If we stay a part for a while we can stop the virus from spreading. This means that the virus will have nowhere to go and after a while, things can go back to normal. If we don't follow these guidelines, more people will get sick and we will have to stay apart for longer.

How you can help

Stop the spread of germs that make people sick by following this advice.

How long will these changes last?

At the minute we don't know how long the changes that are in place will last. We hope that by following the Government guidelines the number of people with Coronavirus will begin to drop but we don't know when this will happen.

Bored at home

It is hard being at home all of the time and only seeing the people that you live with. It's even harder if you don't get on all of the time. It's important to get outside and to exercise if you can - but make sure you follow the guidelines. Also talk to your parents or guardian about how you are feeling, they are probably bored too. This time won't last forever so we all have to do our best.

Miss your friends

Thankfully there are lots of ways to connect with your friends online or via social media. If you have permission from your parents you can check in with your friends every day and find out how they are getting along.

If you are finding all of this worrying or stressful

The Coronavirus is new and it has caused a lot of changes to our lives. It is OK to feel worried or stressed. If you are worried you should talk to your parents, an adult or a friend. There is also lots of information on the internet and people you can talk to. Here are some links that might be useful:

Where to find information

It is really important that you get all of your information on Coronavirus from good sources, places like the HSE who run the health service, the Government websites and the main news websites, radio stations and TV channels. There are lots of WhatsApp messages, video clips, memes, gifs and other pieces of information being shared everywhere. Some of it is true but a lot of it is not.
For all of the main information on Coronavirus visit www.hse.ie
For news and information here are some good websites:

More information about Coronavirus for young people:

There is some really good information out there to help children and young people understand everything that is going on at the moment. We have put together a list of some of the best sites and we'll keep adding to it:

Things to do while you're off school

The Ombudsman for Children's Office has created a range of resources to help children and young people learn about their rights. There are lots of activities to keep you busy and lots to learn.

Visit Its Your Right to find out more.
You can create a play based on rights (PDF)
For Parents
Unicef: How to talk to your children about Coronavirus
Barnardos has launched support service to support parents at this time. You can access the service here.
Government advice on talking to children about Coronavirus

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coronavirus information for children and young people - Ombudsman for Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's a very strange time. Schools are closed, there is no football training, no swimming, no drama, music or dance classes. We're not allowed to visit our friends or our grandparents. This is all because of the Coronavirus.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information from the International Play Association (IPA) on play during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.

# data[].attributes.headline
Self Regulation and Relaxation Techniques

# data[].attributes.subject
Self Regulation and Relaxation Techniques

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Due to the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic the Government has asked us all to play our part and practice social distancing by staying inside and avoiding all unnecessary contact with others where possible.

By social distancing we can all help to slow the spread of the virus and give our healthcare workers the best chance of being able to save lives. This is an emergency situation unlike anything we have experienced before and by making small and temporary changes to our lifestyles we can help fight the virus.

We all have people in our lives who need protecting, such as our grandparents, parents, those close to us who may have underlying conditions, pregnant people and young children. By choosing not to spend time with your friends and partners you are helping to protect the most vulnerable in our society and those most important to you in your life.

Over the coming weeks we will provide news pieces, factsheets and opinion pieces to keep you informed on how to stay safe and healthy during these times. We understand that these are uncertain times for everyone, but by working together to follow Government guidelines we can help to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.

Want to write for us? Share your story to support others during the COVID-19 pandemic

Useful guides

You can find all of our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) content in this article, or take a look at these specific guides put together for young people in Ireland:

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious around the current pandemic?

This situation is completely new to everyone involved and it is normal to feel worried or anxious about what is going on. Following the Government's instructions on how to stay safe and help slow the spread of the virus, can help to make you feel more in control of your current situation.

If you feel overwhelmed by the current situation and need someone to talk to, our anonymous, 24 hour text line is always open. You're worth talking about and we're here to listen and support you.

Social distancing

Find information, advice, and support on social distancing, how to make the most of your time at home, and what the restrictions are.

Opinion

News

Mental health and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Find information on looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic here.

Factsheets

Opinion

News

Your health and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Find information on staying healthy, being active, and protecting yourself from COVID-19 (Coronavirus) below.

Factsheets

Opinion

Employment and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Find information on supports for those who have lost their job, have reduced hours, or who are struggling with money during the pandemic.

Factsheets

Opinion

News

Education, exams and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Find information and advice on how COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is impacting on education and exams. This section will be updated as we get more information.

Factsheets

Opinion

News

Politics, society, and the economy

Find information on how COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is impacting on politics, the economy, and other issues.

Factsheets

Opinion

News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Due to the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic the Government has asked us all to play our part and practice social distancing by staying inside and avoiding all unnecessary contact with others where possible. By social distancing we can all help to slow the spread of the virus and give our healthcare workers the best chance of being able to save lives.

# data[].attributes.headline
Rainbows Bereavement and Separation Support 

# data[].attributes.subject
Rainbows Bereavement and Separation Support 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are pleased to offer parents and guardians a chance to join us on zoom to learn more about Rainbows

The session aims to tell you about the Rainbows programmes, how they work and how they can support your son/daughter in advance of your son or daughter attending or perhaps they have already attended or you may be thinking about enrolling them . The session will help you make an informed decision.

Rainbows is 35 years in Ireland. We have learnt a lot from children and young people and what their concerns and worries can be. The focus of every session is on children/young people and is not on adult issues. It explores how children of different ages and stages of development can be affected by what has happened, highlighting what is normal and how attending the programme can help.

It is an informal welcoming space to listen - no pressure to speak - questions can be asked at any time.

Many parents and guardians have attended to date and have indicated how helpful it has been.

Feedback from these sessions in 2021-2022 was really positive - we hope to build on our support for parents going forward.

It's great for children to see that they are not alone & there are lots of other children in the same position.

Thank you so much, incredibly valuable and supportive

Absolutely amazing session. Empathy, professionalism from start to finish.

I felt very alone and so drowning in it all. I'm feeling better and know I am not alone. Thank you for everything.

Finding out that my kids behaviour is quite normal

Being able to share and chat with parents going through the separation was v helpful also

Ideas of what to do when kids are emotional or struggling was good to learn

We very much look forward to welcoming you on zoom.

Please boil the kettle, bring your cuppa and log in to meet Anne from Rainbows who will deliver the sessions
Dates for "Introduction for Parents/Guardians to the Rainbows Ireland Separation Programmes" Dates for "Introduction for Parents/Guardians to the Rainbows Ireland Bereavement Programme"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rainbows Ireland - Supporting Children with Bereavement and Parental Separation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are pleased to offer parents and guardians a chance to join us on zoom to learn more about Rainbows The session aims to tell you about the Rainbows programmes, how they work and how they can support your son/daughter in advance of your son or daughter attending or perhaps they have already attended or you may be thinking about enrolling them .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The COVID-19 situation is changing daily. As the current situation evolves so must our response.

While our face-to-face services are temporarily suspended, young people's mental health remains our top priority. Our clinicians are busy working here developing articles, videos, animations and audio which will be published here regularly. These will all reflect the changing environment we're in, providing information and support for young people, parents and guardians and those working with young people.

Sign up here for regular mental health and information updates.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Covid-19 and youth mental health | Advice for young people, parents and professionals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The COVID-19 situation is changing daily. As the current situation evolves so must our response. While our face-to-face services are temporarily suspended, young people's mental health remains our top priority. Our clinicians are busy working here developing articles, videos, animations and audio which will be published here regularly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Let's look after ourselves, and each other. - Calm Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As days of isolation turn into weeks, many of us are feeling increasingly uprooted from our normal lives. In a world on lockdown, it isn't just our routines that are being disrupted, but our relationships too. Thankfully, distance doesn't have to mean disconnection.

# data[].attributes.headline
Supporting the Wellbeing of School Communities as schools reopen:Guidance for Schools DES

# data[].attributes.subject
Supporting the Wellbeing of School Communities as schools reopen:Guidance for Schools DES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Guidance to Support the Wellbeing of School Communities

# data[].attributes.headline
NEPs Webinar Supporting Students' Wellbeing 

# data[].attributes.subject
NEPs Webinar Supporting Students' Wellbeing 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Relaxation Techniques from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) by Department of Education and Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have you been feeling anxious, worried or stressed lately? If so, this podcast might help. Find a quiet corner, get comfortable, press play and let a NEPS psychologist talk you through some relaxation techniques.

# data[].attributes.headline
Department of Ed - Back to School Wellbeing Resources

# data[].attributes.subject
Department of Ed - Back to School Wellbeing Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
These directories and catalogues of online supports outline wellbeing CPD and provision for post primary schools, primary / special schools and parents during phase 1. This information will be updated as we move to phase 2 and are subject to change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These directories and catalogues of online supports outline wellbeing CPD and provision for post primary schools, primary / special schools and parents during phase 1. This information will be updated as we move to phase 2 and are subject to change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This calendar is a new addition to our series of monthly action calendars which have been used by millions of people and translated into 20+ languages.

Thanks to Peter Harper for coming up with the original calendar idea and also to the many other kind and talented people who have helped contribute the ideas and inspiration, including Patrick Higgins who first suggested the idea of a new calendar in response to this global crisis.

Many thanks also to the generous volunteers who have translated the calendars into other languages, including Jaber & Nailah Aljasmi (Arabic), Sevdzhi Eubova (Bulgarian), Janice Torkildsen (Chinese & Nepalese), Natalie Lui and Yun You (Chinese), Renata Sušanj & Dalibor Sever (Croatian), Gabriela Macova (Czech), Martine De Ruiter (Dutch), Anna Langley (Esperanto), Laurence De Olivera & Windy Diakité (French), Rika Tjakea Schütte, Tobias Polzin, Ingrid Schäberle & Yvonne Macasieb, (German), Marina Derlere (Greek), Eva Fekete (Hungarian), Andrea Magnabosco (Italian), Narumi Isoda (Japanese), Rasa Kokoreviča (Latvian), Janina Sabaite (Lithuanian), Marek Zywert & Lidia Golba (Polish), Ana Rute Costa (Portuguese), Oana Mindrut (Romanian), Natalya Kuznetsova (Russian), Mária Boťanská (Slovak), Vicenç Rul.lan (Spanish & Catalan), Naima Skillingshage (Swedish), Ali Gülüm, Ceylan Özpınarand Ilgın Bayraktar (Turkish) and Kate Rudenko (Ukranian).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This calendar is a new addition to our series of monthly action calendars which have been used by millions of people and translated into 20+ languages. Thanks to Peter Harper for coming up with the original calendar idea and also to the many other kind and talented people who have helped contribute the ideas and inspiration, including Patrick Higgins who first suggested the idea of a new calendar in response to this global crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
A Lust For Life - Irish Mental Health Charity in Ireland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A Lust for Life will bring you broadcasts giving you techniques to manage your mental health. These broadcast are designed to help you, and those around you, build resilience and learn mindfulness tools. They will fully equip yourself and your family to maintain your wellbeing as we navigate through these next few weeks

The series will feature mental health experts and advocates; Fiona Brennan - The Positive Habit, Brian Pennie, Dr. Eddie Murphy, Clinic Psychologist, Dr. Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and Niall Breslin, Masters in Mindfulness Based Interventions. Fiona Brenna, Brian Pennie, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Coyne will give expert talks on enduring through uncertainty and advice for parents managing a new normal at home while Bressie will lead an easy to follow meditation and mindfulness practice.

These broadcasts will be brought to you at 9:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on Facebook and Instagram Live. Like A Lust for Life, Fiona Brennan The Positive Habit, Brian Pennie, Dr Eddie Murphy, Dr Malie Coyne and Bressie on Facebook and follow them on Instagram to catch these broadcasts.

We will also put the videos here as they broadcast for you to look back on them all in one place.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Article by A Lust For Life - Irish Mental Health Charity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Self-care during Covid19: A Lust for Life broadcasts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Lust for Life will bring you broadcasts giving you techniques to manage your mental health. These broadcast are designed to help you, and those around you, build resilience and learn mindfulness tools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We're all learning all the time. Parents learn to care for children, students learn physics, soldiers learn survival skills, and all of us learn the latest app or how kale will make us healthy. But much of what we call learning isn't particularly useful: I just "learned" on Facebook that someone I hardly know baked cupcakes today. Riveting!

Mindful learning, on the other hand, cultivates insightful knowing rather than just a brain overloaded with information. Mindfulness creates space to let new information in and to allow us to see how it relates to what we already know. Recent neurological research at Harvard shows how this happens: mindfulness may actually increase the size of your brain.

Mindfulness creates space to let new information in and to allow us to see how it relates to what we already know.

When I learned mindfulness practice in 1970, I felt for the first time in my life that I knew something to be absolutely true. I was breathing in and breathing out-that was really happening. I actually saw thoughts and judgments arise, like "I'm not nearly as good as these other meditators. Look, their backs are straighter than mine. They're wearing the perfect white clothes. I'm in a funky embroidered shirt."

Where did those thoughts come from? They arose in my mind, and then, if I wasn't obsessing about them, they would float or fall away. The important thing was how I saw thoughts arise and disappear. I was beginning to see how my mind worked, and even if I didn't like what it was doing, I felt more whole, more integrated, more confident. Not really knowing my breath or my mind seemed like not knowing what my face looked like. How could I have missed them? Of course we all know we are breathing and thinking, but it was radically different to experience them directly instead of intellectually. It wasn't just an idea that I breathe-it was me breathing. I had learned something important in a whole new way.

That led me to look at the other ways we learn, to see whether they could benefit from mindfulness. I wanted to understand ideas, images, skills, and people in an intimate way, with the clarity and confidence I was experiencing as I came to know my own mind and body. I wanted to create space in my mind instead of that crowded carnival of ideas and information and judgments. I wanted to be open to learning something new, to see things with new perspectives and understanding. Mindfulness, with its focus, openness, inquisitiveness, and humility, seemed like the perfect approach.

Here are some of the practices I discovered.

Reading these days, whether on a screen or on paper, is more often a race to finish the text than a search for meaning. Woody Allen captured it: "I took a speedreading course and read War and Peace in 20 minutes. It involves Russia."

Mindful reading is radically different. It slows down the reader and the reading-that alone changes the experience. It is a process of quiet reflection that requires mindful attentiveness, letting go of distracting thoughts and opinions to be fully in the moment with the text. It moves the reader into a calm awareness, allowing for a more profound experience and understanding.

Here are some mindful reading exercises:
The Wrap-Around
Before reading, sit quietly for some minutes. Bring your attention to your breath, letting go of thoughts and sensations, returning to the breath again and again. Then read. Notice if you read with more focus and appreciation. When you finish reading, sit again for some minutes, again bringing your mind to your breath. At the end of your practice, notice what you have learned from the reading.
Savoring a Resonant Phrase
Sit quietly and then read a short piece, perhaps a page long. What phrase stands out for you? Return to that phrase and repeat it to yourself, perhaps several times. Just sit with it. What does it evoke? Notice what images or ideas or memories arise. Do any of the words have meaning beyond the obvious? What meaning does this phrase give to the rest of what you're reading? Hold the phrase in your mind, giving it time to suggest more to you. Now reread the full piece. How is it different? Has your relationship to it changed?
One from Many
Reading doesn't have to be private. You can do this practice with as few as two people, but the more the merrier. Each person has a copy of the same poem or piece of prose. All sit quietly and focus on the breath. One person reads the entire text aloud. All sit in silence. After a while, one person reads the first line aloud. Out of the silence after that line, the next person who feels moved to read speaks the second line. And so on, until it is finished. Ask yourselves whether hearing the same words in different voices affects the meaning.

Mindful reading is radically different from racing to cram information in. It slows down the reader and the reading-that alone changes the experience.

Writing benefits from the capacities that mindfulness cultivates: seeing and hearing things just as they are, bearing witness to life; being in the moment, even when remembering the past or imagining the future; not judging others and oneself while still exercising discriminating wisdom; holding multiple perspectives; being open to the new; and practicing kindness, compassion, and patience. Mindful awareness helps us see, in Gerard Manley Hopkins words, "all things...original, spare, strange."

At the same time, it acknowledges our interconnection. All of us, when we write, are giving something, and we need a reader who will accept our gift. We each write out of our own loneliness to express ourselves to another human being.

Here are some ways to bring mindfulness to your writing:
Journal Writing
Writing in a journal is one of the oldest methods of self-exploration and expression. Although they're not written for publication and often don't last longer than their authors, we have extraordinary examples of journals in the work of Virginia Woolf, Thomas Merton, May Sarton, and Anne Frank, among others. As these illustrate, a journal can help one cultivate the ability to live in the present, to become deeply aware and appreciative of life. There are many journal practices. Here are a few:

A journal can help one cultivate the ability to live in the present, to become deeply aware and appreciative of life.

Once a Day : Write something new every day. Add a drawing or a photograph to it. Journals, like mindfulness, help us appreciate the simple fact that every moment in our lives brings something new and different. We only need to notice it.

Be Your Own Researcher : Write each day what you are learning from mindfulness practice-or anything else.

Social Media Practice : Write about your experience of using social media. What sensations do you notice in your body before and after you communicate? What sensations do you notice when you receive a comment or tweet?

Being Here Now : Stop in your tracks once a day: take account of the sky, the ground, and yourself, then write what you noticed. Or, while walking down a street or country road, stop, turn in a circle, and write what you remember. Or, sitting with your notebook, write six sentences, beginning each with "Here and now...."
Mindful Emailing
Emailing allows us to get work done quickly with people around the globe. But without the emotional signs and social cues of face-toface or phone interaction, it's more possible to be misunderstood-particularly if there's trouble at hand. Also, mindless emailing overstuffs everyone's inboxes.

Try this with 5 or 10 emails during the week. Or all of them.

1. COMPOSE an email.

2. STOP and take one long deep breath. Pay attention to the breath. You can count to five on the inhale and again on the exhale if you like.

3. THINK of the person to whom the email is going and how you want them to receive your message. Could they misunderstand your words and become angry or offended, or think you're being more positive than you intend?

4. LOOK at the draft email again.

5. CHANGE it if appropriate.

6. SEND

Free Writing
Free writing is a method of mindful inner inquiry; you never know what you will learn until you start writing. Then you discover truths that you didn't know existed.

Begin writing and write continuously for a set period of time, say 10 to 15 minutes. If it helps, use a prompt, like "Right now I am feeling...." Or, "I have always been afraid to ...." Keep the pen moving, with no pauses to correct spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Write down whatever is arising in your mind, without judgment. Keep writing. When the time is up, stop and read.

When you write, it's possible not to judge others or yourself and still exercise discriminating wisdom, to hold multiple perspectives, and to be open to the new.

When we are listening mindfully, we are fully present with what we're hearing without trying to control it or judge it. We let go of our inner clamoring and our usual assumptions, and we listen with respect to precisely what is being said. We listen to our own minds and hearts and, as the Quakers say, to the "still, small voice within." We listen to sounds, to music, to lectures, to conversations, and, in a sense, to the written word.

For all of these kinds of listening to be effective, so we understand and remember what is being heard, we need a mind that is open, fresh, alert, attentive, calm, and receptive. We often do not have a clear concept of listening as an active process that we can control, but, in fact, mindful listening can be cultivated through practice.

Here are some mindful listening practices:
Wake Up Listening
Early morning is especially good for listening. Try this: As you wake up, instead of turning on the TV, your iPhone, or your computer, be still and just listen. In a rural setting, the sounds may be birds and animals waking up. In a city, sounds of outside action begin: garbage collection, building construction, traffic. On campus, the sounds of opening doors, feet walking in the hallways, other students talking. Listen for the soft sounds: a cat purring, leaves rustling. Rest your full attention on one sound until it fades away, then let another come to you. As thoughts come into your mind, gently let them go and return to the sound. Then get out of bed and enjoy the sound of the water on your skin in the shower.
In the Groove
Put on some music, maybe classical or slow tempo. Notice the sound and vibration of the notes, the sensations in your body as you listen, and the feelings the music brings up in you. When you notice thoughts arising, gently bring your attention back to the music. Breathe.
In the Shelter of Each Other
Thoreau said, "The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought and attended to my answer." Mindful listening helps us be fully present for another person. It is the gift of our attention. It moves us closer to each other. It allows the speaker to feel less vulnerable and more inclined to open up to the listener. Not listening creates separation and fragmentation, which is always painful.

To listen mindfully to another person, stop doing anything else, breathe naturally, and simply listen, without an agenda, to what is being said. If thoughts about other things arise, gently let them go and return to the speaker's words. As responses arise in your mind, wait until you've heard all that has to be said before replying. Try not to let your story overcome the speaker's. Be curious; don't assume that you know. Listen for feelings as well as the words.

And you will want to be listened to also. But when you're speaking, if the person you're talking to doesn't appear to be mindfully listening, be patient. As Winnie the Pooh once said, "It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."

Your day-to-day activities offer ample opportunities to call up mindfulness in any moment. These simple practices will breathe space into your daily routines. Read More

Feeling overwhelmed? Too busy to function? Here are five opportunities to pause, recharge your batteries, and stay on top of your game. Read More

Cultivate happiness by taking note of the good around you with this weekly journaling practice. Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Three Simple Mindfulness Practices You Can Use Every Day - Mindful

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're all learning all the time. Parents learn to care for children, students learn physics, soldiers learn survival skills, and all of us learn the latest app or how kale will make us healthy. But much of what we call learning isn't particularly useful: I just "learned" on Facebook that someone I hardly know baked cupcakes today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Little Things campaign focuses on the little things that we can all do to protect our own mental health, and support the people we care about.

Familiar faces

In 2018, we asked some familiar faces to share their very own "6 Little Things" for minding their mental health.

Watch Riyadh Khalaf, Cliona O'Connor, Stephen Byrne, Aisling Thompson, Éanna Walsh and Mike Sheridan share their tips:

What are the simple things that you do every day? #6LittleThings

Little things that can make a big difference

Keeping active

Being active every day, something as simple as a walk is proven to have a positive impact on your mood.

Talking about your problems

Problems feel smaller when they are shared with others. They don't always have to be solved - just talking about it will do you good.

Looking out for others

Lending an ear to someone else in trouble, or catching up with someone who seems distant, can change their day, or their lives. Again, you don't have to fix anything for them - just listening is a huge help.

Doing things with others

Taking part in a group activity that you enjoy is proven to have a positive impact on how you feel, be it a game of football, joining a choir, volunteering.

Eating healthily

A regular healthy, balanced and nutritious diet will help both your physical, but also your mental health, and have a positive impact on how you feel.

Staying in touch

Catching up with friends and family is good for our mental health, reminding us that we're part of a community, and having a positive impact on how we feel.

Drinking less alcohol

For the average Irish drinker, reducing alcohol will have a positive impact on their health and mental wellbeing, making it easier to cope with day to day difficulties and stresses.

Sleeping well

Getting a good night's sleep of 7 or 8 hours, as often as you can, will have a positive impact on how you feel. Protect your sleep if you can, it will do you good.

Stories

Download Little Things posters

We designed some posters to remind us of the little things that make a big difference to how we feel.

Share them with friends and family, or download them to remind you that it's the little things that can help lift your mood.
Download Little Things posters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Little Things campaign focuses on the little things that we can all do to protect our own mental health, and support the people we care about. In 2018, we asked some familiar faces to share their very own "6 Little Things" for minding their mental health.

# data[].attributes.headline
Teacher  Wellbeing & Diversity  A manual for teachers in diverse educational settings

# data[].attributes.subject
Teacher  Wellbeing & Diversity  A manual for teachers in diverse educational settings