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It suggests that the mind is fully attending to what’s happening, to what you’re doing, to the space you’re moving through. That might seem trivial, except for the annoying fact that we so often veer from the matter at hand. Mindfulness is slowing down and paying close attention to what you’re doing, even if it is an exercise as simply focusing on your breath.

66% of school-age children are currently experiencing stress about school, exams and homework. When young people practise mindfulness, they slow down, take their time, and concentrate on something that is both calming and stress-free. Breathing techniques, imagery, bodily awareness, and relaxation are common components of mindfulness meditation. Being mindful assists young people to cope with frustration when they confront a challenging situation in their life. It may also be utilised when they need to focus their attention on something specific and avoid being distracted.

Practising mindfulness may enhance attention spans for almost everyone, even young people with ADHD and ADD who can often find it hard to pay attention and stay focussed. People who learn how to practise mindfulness have superior attention spans and are less easily distracted. Mindfulness also assists people in being calm under stress, avoiding overreacting, getting along better with others, and being more patient. It can even improve learning, assist children and teenagers become better listeners, and make them feel happy in general.

Childhood and adolescence are critical phases in the development of young people. What occurs to them during these stages of their lives will establish the groundwork for their future mental health. Here are the three main ways mindfulness benefits young people.

Emotional Benefits

Emotional health, often known as a good sense of well-being, is a vital aspect of every young person’s life. Not only is it the foundation of mental health, but it may also assist prevent mental health concerns such as:

• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Problems with self-esteem
• Social relationships issues

Overall, being mindful or engaging in mindfulness exercises can help young people not only manage stress but also boost their feeling of well-being.

Social Benefits

Difficulties connecting and talking with others can cause issues with learning, comprehension, and school atmosphere. However, mindfulness programmes have been demonstrated to increase these skills and contribute to beneficial outcomes in the classroom.

Mindfulness has also been demonstrated to improve a young person’s capacity to manage emotions and experience compassion and empathy. It is also commonly regarded as a helpful therapy for persons of all ages who suffer from aggressiveness, ADHD, or mental health issues such as anxiety. It can even be used to relieve the agony of bullying.

Mindfulness may also be used to develop self-concept, increase planning abilities, and manage urges. Mindfulness, when applied properly in schools, can reduce the frequency of trips to the principal’s office, minimise school bullying, and enhance attendance.

Cognitive Benefits

Teaching children mindfulness can improve their cognitive skills, particularly the executive functions conducted by the brain. Executive functions control a person’s capacity to pay attention, alter focus, organise information, recall details, and plan.

Are you interested in learning more about mindfulness?

Our 6-week Mindfulness course teaches the learner what mindfulness is, the importance of mindfulness in relationships, the neuroscience of self-compassion, and an understanding of how to apply mindfulness in your life.

Our CPD Accredited Understanding Stress course teaches the learner what stress is, how it can be managed and prevented, and how you can support someone who is struggling with stress.

For more information on how stress, including stress-management through mindfulness, download our stress guide.

At Shawmind, we want to make it easier for you to handle moments of poor mental health by reducing stigma and increasing awareness and support options. That’s why all funds raised through our online courses support Headucation – our mission to train teachers in the basics of mental health support.