New Mindfulness Class Brings Self-Awareness to PVHS

The students of the new mindfulness class start off their day with a mindful sit for an asserted amount of time on their yoga mats, surrounded by blue pillows and an overall calming environment in room 518. This is a time they get to spend with themselves and their minds, an opportunity rarely encountered by busy high school students. A class truly unique to our school, Mindfulness started due to the impact that mental health and stress levels has on students.

This class also benefits school life and performance by allowing students to focus on their mind and overall wellness. This class was started by teachers Tamara Sheridan and Jill Moeller.

“It was noticed that many students have over packed schedules, were absent on test days, and had a general inability to cope with the pressure of life,” said Sheridan.

One of the main goals of this class is to change these specific factors of student life.

“The classroom is unique for the reason of having no distractions, so students can have a chance to let go of what they’re physically carrying and be with themselves,” said Sheridan.

Although mindfulness is currently only taught as a zero period, the teachers hope to watch this program grow over time. Eventually, an advanced class called Application of Psychology will be offered.

Students currently taking mindfulness and possibly new students will have the opportunity to continue or start on their journey.  They also believe that this class helps then keep their stress levels in check in order to have an easy, relaxing start to the day. Sophomore Chaya Holyfield is a student in the Mindfulness class.

“So far, the class has made me focus on being mindful in my everyday life and now when I’m stressed I focus on my breathing and it helps me get through the problem,” said Holyfield.

Breathing and calming techniques are only some of the many topics taught in this class. The other main focuses of mindfulness are neuroplasticity, mindfulness of breathing and the body, interpersonal connections, mindful eating, mindful social media presence, and teaching others.

The goals of this curriculum are to improve student mental health and for students to pass on what they’ve learned.

Another student, sophomore Ella Frost, was interested in this class because of its uniqueness and the potential benefits of it to her life.

“I play very competitive soccer, so this can be very stressful piled up with school. Mindfulness allows me to check in with myself and take a step back from that stress which is very useful,” said Frost.

Since mental health is very focused on in our society, this class couldn’t have been established at a more appropriate time. Mindfulness is available for everyone on “Mindful Mondays” at lunch. It is an opportunity for anyone to come in, relax, and connect with themselves.

So far, the class is off to a good start and students currently enrolled are already seeing the positive effects of this class and are looking forward to seeing the overall outcome at the end of this year.