Mindfulness can be defined as a present awareness of one’s experience without judgment. It is a self-regulation process that focuses on training attention in order to foster general mental well-being and develop the capacity for calmness. It is an incredible tool to help people understand and cope with various emotions. Many studies show that practicing mindfulness reduces stress and increases positivity.
Please put the items in a sturdy container, like a decorated cardboard box. Do not use shirt boxes as they are very flimsy and do not store well.
To create a mindfulness kit:
Put the following items in a decorated box (unisex preferred). Most items can be purchased at the dollar store.
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5 coloring sheets
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Free printable sheets available at https://www.crayola.com/featured/free-coloring-pages/
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A small journal
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Box of new crayons
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Stress ball
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A positive handwritten note
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One of each of the following writing prompts printed on card stock:
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What makes you feel like a strong person?
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What is your greatest strength?
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Write a list of things that make you feel good.
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Think about a time someone made you happy and write about it.
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Describe where you are right now using your 5 senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).
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If you could choose one superpower to have for a day, what would it be and how would you use that power?
If you are interested in doing a DIY Volunteer Project with your group, please follow these simple steps:
STEP 1: Call United Way before starting your DIY Project so that we have can discuss greatest needs in the community and your timeline. We also need a little lead time to touch base with partner programs to make sure your kits go where they are most needed and to ensure our partners have the time to prepare to receive them.
Contact: info@marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 715-507-5005
STEP 2: Make a plan of action plan for your group to gather/buy/solicit materials and assemble the kits. Your plan should include the following:
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Purchase the suggested items OR host a drive or fundraiser to purchase items.
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Assemble the kits. All kits should have most of the above items or additional items. Place in a Ziploc bag.
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Include a homemade card or drawing. Sign it "From a family who cares."
Have fun with this and celebrate your time working together to help others in our community!
STEP 3: When kits are ready, contact the United Way once more for final assistance in coordinating where they should be dropped. Whenever possible, we will have groups drop their kits directly at the local agencies that will distribute them, but the final drop location will depend upon storage capacities at our partner agencies.
STEP 4: Spread the word! Tell others about your experience and about these opportunities to create more DIY projects!
