Much of a girl’s self-confidence can be assessed through their emotional regulation, stress management, and impulse control, and mindfulness is key to managing those in a healthy way. While staying at home, girls may run into situations that cause intense reactions or frustrations. A creative way to alleviate stress and stay focused on processing the feelings that arise is to create a Mindfulness Basket.

To begin, grab an empty basket or bag, and brainstorm ways you can practice mindfulness using common items from around the house. Gather everything in your basket and there you have it – your Mindfulness Basket is ready to use.

Need help? Check out our list below for some examples that you could include in your own Mindfulness Basket!

Download Your Own Mindfulness Basket Graphic

See: items to visually calm
  • Small mirror
  • Flashlight
  • Snow globe
  • Hourglass
  • Lava lamp
  • Eye mask
  • Photo album
Touch: items to keep hands busy
  • Playdough
  • Stress ball
  • Stuffed animal
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Bubble wrap
  • LEGO
  • Hand weights
Smell: items for olfactory sensory support
  • Candle
  • Flower
  • Essential oil
  • Scratch and sniff stickers
  • Scented lotion
Do: items to give brain breaks
  • Word search
  • Coloring book
  • Blank notebook
  • Bubbles
  • Puzzles
Hear: items for auditory sensory support
  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • MP3 player with music, audiobook, etc.
  • Sound machine with white noise, nature sounds, etc.
Taste: items for oral sensory support
  • Chewing gum
  • Hard candies, mints, or lollipops
  • Package of hot chocolate or tea

Have you or your troop created Mindfulness Baskets to help process big feelings while we’re at home? Share it with us by posting it on social media and tagging @GSMIDTN or email us at communicationsdept@gsmidtn.org.

Download Your Own Mindfulness Basket Graphic


Social and emotional skills are important for success in school and life, and though this year has proven to be full of unexpected obstacles for important milestones, we are working to fill a critical need that has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CASEL defines social and emotional learning (SEL) as the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. As the experts on girls’ leadership and development, Girl Scouts is uniquely poised to help girls boost self-confidence, relationship-building, and decision-making skills.