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Teaching mindfulness at School and University

Exam

Why teach mindfulness..

Did you know that the majority of mental health struggles start in childhood? And not only that, teaching preventative tools as an early intervention could have a significantly positive and life-long impact on the overall well-being of children as they grow into adults?

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Many education providers are making an investment into resources and education for mental well-being, in an attempt to support the growing minds of their students. Recent research studies have shown specifically that mindfulness practices target and improve some of the key challenges young people face today, including; mental health struggles, social and emotional struggles, low self-esteem, academic achievement and behaviour. For this reason, teaching simple mindfulness concepts and practices in academic institutions can be an incredible mechanism for supporting both children and young adults as they navigate the increasing challenges that the modern world brings.

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Our rapidly evolving world means that children and young adults are more than ever presented with digital distractions, which also allow them to constantly compare themselves not only to their peers, but to others worldwide, having a detrimental effect on their self-esteem.

Benefits of teaching mindfulness skills whilst children are young...

A child’s brain is far more absorbent, able to learn new information, and capable of change than an adult’s brain. There are two main reasons for this:

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The first relates to “Neuroplasticity” – this is the brains ability to change, remember, and learn new things. Although it is possible to change the brain and learn new things well into adulthood, the process is much simpler for children, as a child’s brain is able to make the required brain connections much simpler than an adult’s brain.

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The second is that a child’s growing and developing mind is much like a sponge, particularly in the early years, and this means that everything a child sees, hears, and experiences early in life will be absorbed by their mind and become the backbone of that child’s beliefs and self-esteem. Not only that, it will also influence their behaviour and how they feel about themselves as an adult.

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The beauty of understanding how both of these two processes and the child’s developing mind works, means that we can teach children how to look after their mental and emotional well-being, build the seeds of their self-esteem as they grow, and help lift their mood in general.

Proven benefits for children and young adults...

​Research from multiple clinical studies on teaching mindfulness in schools has shown many benefits for children and young adults, including:

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  • Improved mental and physical well-being, including reduced stress and depression

  • Improved social skills

  • Improved emotional skills and emotional regulation

  • Improved behaviour, learning and academic performance

  • Improved self-esteem

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For older children and young adults specifically, teaching simple mindfulness practices can help:

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  • Manage exam stress

  • Provide skills to practice for social anxiety, or any challenging life event

  • Help reduce distraction from digital devices and comparison to others

Proven benefits to teachers and education providers...

​Research from many clinical studies on teaching mindfulness in academic institutions has also demonstrated not only many benefits for the students, but the teachers too, including improved mental and physical well-being, a reduction in stress and depression, and improved self-care.

What do our courses in Schools and Universities cover?

​​The specific content of our courses can vary, depending on the age of the children or young adults. We can also offer bespoke courses, tailored to the specific on the requirements of a School or University.

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For younger children our courses cover:

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  • Simple techniques that can be used for just a few minutes to help children feel calmer and more relaxed, these include:

    • Easy breathing techniques that are suitable from a young age

    • Visualisation through storytelling

  • Methods to encourage children to focus on the present moment, and this usually involves focussing on a fun activity together within the class

  • A variety of simple grounding techniques that can be used, when children are feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed

  • Techniques to help children identify and name the emotions they are feeling, and how it feels within their body

  • Simple activities to promote gratitude and kindness

  • Small habits that with practice can help build your child’s self-esteem

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For older children and young adults our courses cover:

 

  • ​What mindfulness is

  • Myth busting – What mindfulness is not

  • The benefits of practicing mindfulness

  • Simple techniques that can be used for a just a few minutes, to help feel calmer and more relaxed – including breathing, visualisation and    practicing gratitude

  • Methods to help focus on the present moment, and where classes take place in person, this usually involves focussing on an activity together within the class

  • Ways to identify and name emotions, and how it feels within the body

  • Simple grounding techniques for times of stress of worry

  • Understanding how thoughts work and ways we can learn to notice our thoughts as they come and go, giving us more control of how we feel

  • The importance of language and kind ways to speak to ourselves and others

  • Simple activities to promote gratitude

  • Small habits that with practice can help build self-esteem

 

For more information about any of our courses held within Schools and Universities, please contact us via the email address:

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hello@findingequilibrium.co.uk

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We are also always happy to discuss tailor made courses.

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