Mindfulness is a way to help people manage stress, work and relationships. It’s rooted in the Buddhist meditation technique to focus on the moment. The focus allows people to manage their anxiety so that it doesn’t weigh on them and has potential to support their mental health. While there is no clear evidence that it improves academics, it can decrease anxiety and improve attention. In the classroom, mindfulness can be incorporated to allow students to focus on one thing, which gives their brain and body a chance to relax. It’s more effective over time and when it becomes part of the school culture. Taking a few minutes out of class to help students also introduces students to the idea of taking care of their mental health. Mindfulness takes form in many activities such as walking or eating, and trains the brain to notice the stories we tell ourselves and what makes us upset. While mindfulness in schools won’t replace the role of a therapist, it’s a tool to also spot potential mental health issues and connect students to appropriate support.
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