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Program Purpose

This program will provide students a hands-on opportunity to directly make an impact on the lives of animals. Students will learn mindfulness practices and concepts that will help decrease stress and improve well-being.

 

Program Structure

Student will be dropped off for program participation. During our time together we will:

• Connect with one another

• Spend time with the animals

• Perform an interactive project

• Pause: Participate in a mindfulness exercise

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How the Human-Animal Bond Benefits Us

• Stress reduction – Petting an animal has been shown to reduce stress in humans. 

• Improved mood – Studies show that the simple act of stroking a friendly animal increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, two chemicals that are essential for happiness and relaxation.

• Social connections – Working together to help care for the animals provides a bonding experience and opportunity to connect with others with similar interests. 

• Emotional support – Animals provide us with impartial, unconditional emotional support and love.

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Information obtained and adapted from Deep Connections: The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

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The Power of Mindfulness

Here are just a few amazing ways mindfulness will improve behavior and emotional well-being.

• Strengthens self-control

• Lowers anxiety and stress

• Increases positive moods

• Better decision making

• Improves Emotional Regulation Skills

• Increases self-esteem

• Improves Health and Body Image

• Improves social skills and communication

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Mindfulness exercises helps get in better touch with one's thoughts and feelings. With increased awareness comes less emotional reactivity, a greater ability to listen and communicate more thoughtfully and effectively with others and overall increases ease and well-being. 

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Information obtained and adapted from Mindfulness with Kids article

 

See below for locations, dates and times