Activity: Mindful Art and Breathing (All Ages)

Objective: Help your mentee practice self-awareness and mindfulness through art and
breathing exercises to promote relaxation and emotional well-being.

Materials Needed:

• Paper
• Colored pencils, markers, crayons, or watercolors
• Comfortable seating (cushions or chairs)
• Timer or smartphone with a timer app

Instructions:
Step 1:
Begin by explaining that mindfulness helps us focus on the present moment and can help calm our minds and bodies.To help your mentee gain a sense of mindfulness ask them to think about where they are.

Step 2: Mindful Breathing
You and your mentee should find somewhere to sit comfortably.
Guide them through a brief mindful breathing exercise:
Inhale deeply for a count of 4.
Hold the breath for a count of 4.
Exhale slowly for a count of 6.
Repeat for a few breath cycles.

Step 3: Mindful Art
Ask your mentee to take a piece of paper and ask them to create a piece of art mindfully, focusing on the process rather than the end result. Encourage them to pay attention to the colors, shapes, and movements as they create.

Step 4:
After the art session, ask your mentee if they feel comfortable sharing with you what they have drawn. Discuss what they noticed during the creative process and how it made them feel.

You can provide them with these coloring pages as well to help foster a space of relaxation after the breathing exercise.