Neuroscience – The most important pillar because it allows kids to understand why they are feeling a certain way and is the underpinning for the other pillars. Brain breaks are mindful moments that engage the senses - from mindful listening to mindful movement - which help strengthen neural pathways so that kids (and adults!) can better regulate their emotions. Mindful awareness – This is where brain breaks come in. Carrie explains that practicing positivity and gratitude helps rewire our brains to overcome our inherent negativity bias, helping us to gain perspective and a positive outlook on life. Most people would jump to the negative aspect of rain all day but the MindUP spin would be to focus on what we can do when it rains. Positive psychology – Carrie talks about overcoming our in-built negativity bias by focussing on positivity and gratitude, giving the example of a rained-out camp day. The MindUp curriculum is based on four pillars: brain breaks) - the more they strengthen neural pathways, building mental fitness over time. MindUP teaches kids to treat their brain like a muscle that becomes stronger: the more they practice an activity - and the minutes-long mindful breathing exercises (a.k.a. Kids learn about brain function and the parts of the brain - the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus - right away, which helps illustrate the importance of “brain breaks”, a core practice of the MindUP curriculum. “How do you teach kids to control their emotions without teaching them about the engine that controls everything,” she questions. MindUP is based firmly in neuroscience and Carrie says it’s the most important pillar of the program. MindUP helps kids develop their mental fitness so that they can navigate these challenges and change the trajectory of their life. Just as when Goldie Hawn founded MindUP 20 years ago during the aftermath of 9/11, young people are dealing with increased stress and anxiety owing to the pandemic, which has culminated in what Carrie calls, “a global mental health crisis.” This, along with unhealthy expectations forced on kids by social media, as well as the regular stresses of work, school and sports, makes an organization like MindUP vital. The unique challenges faced by kids in the 21st century Carrie’s extensive career in youth-focused non-profits along with her strong business sense, earned her the honour of being named one of the “ Top 50 Women Leaders of Toronto for 2022” by Women We Admire. Her new role builds on years of experience working across numerous youth development organizations including the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps where she worked to send over 18,000 kids to camp every year. Carrie Patterson recently became Managing Director of MindUP, an organization founded by Goldie Hawn after the September 11th attacks in 2001, to give young people the tools to help manage stress, regulate their emotions, and face the challenges of the 21st century with optimism, resilience, and compassion.
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