Harnessing the mind: 7 ways mindfulness empowers students for success

There is a reason why mindfulness has gained significant attention in recent years. In today’s fast-paced and demanding educational environments, mindfulness plays a significant role. Students often experience high levels of stress due to academic pressures, social challenges, and personal expectations. Mindfulness practices like deep breathing and meditation, can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being.

According to Swati Singh, a Faridabad-based psychologist and an alumna of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, it is important for students to be mindful and practice the same. “Children today live in a virtual world and look for validation from social media. But it is important for them to live in the present. This is only possible through mindfulness,” Singh asserted.

How can students inculcate this?

“In today’s fast-paced life of social media all of us are running – we keep concentrating either on the past or thinking about the future. In the process, we have forgotten to live in the present. Students need to be present at the moment. To begin with, students can start by being in the moment for 10 minutes. This has to be something that the child does for himself or herself; it could be any activity, Include breathing exercises for five minutes. Do physical exercise, go to bed in time, and pep yourself up with positive self-talk. Concentrate on the one good deed that you have done for the day and give yourself a pat on your back,” Singh said.

What is mindfulness?

It is a state of conscious awareness and attention to the present moment, without judgment or attachment to thoughts, feelings, or sensations. “It involves directing one’s focus to the present experience, observing it with an open and non-reactive mindset. Mindfulness can be practiced through various techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to everyday activities,” Singh explained.

At its core, it involves being fully engaged in the present moment, acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise, without getting caught up in them or judging them as good or bad. “It involves bringing a curious and non-judgmental attitude toward one’s experiences, allowing them to unfold naturally,” Singh added.

Practicing mindfulness helps children develop a greater sense of self-awareness, as they become more attuned to their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It can be cultivated through formal meditation practices, where one sits quietly and focuses attention on the breath or other anchors of awareness. However, mindfulness can also be applied in daily life by bringing mindful awareness to routine activities, such as eating, walking, or listening to others.

By cultivating mindfulness, children can develop the ability to respond to life’s challenges with clarity, compassion, and resilience. “It can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a deeper understanding of oneself and others,” Singh said.

In today’s fast-paced life of social media all of us are running – we keep concentrating either on the past or thinking about the future. In the process, we have forgotten to live in the present. This is only possible through mindfulness

–Swati Singh, a Faridabad-based psychologist and
an alumna of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri

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Ways mindfulness can empower students

Improved focus and attention: Exercises like meditation or breathing techniques, help students develop the ability to concentrate and sustain attention. This can be particularly useful during studying or completing assignments, as it enhances focus and reduces distractions.

Stress reduction: Students often face high levels of stress due to academic pressures, exams, and personal challenges. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation, enhancing self-awareness, and providing techniques for managing stress and anxiety. It allows students to approach difficulties with a calmer and more composed mindset.

Enhanced emotional well-being: It encourages students to acknowledge and accept their emotions without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, students can develop emotional resilience and regulate their emotions effectively. It helps them better understand their thoughts and feelings, leading to improved emotional well-being and a greater sense of self-control.

Increased self-awareness and self-compassion: It cultivates self-awareness, allowing students to observe their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with objectivity. This self-reflection promotes a deeper understanding of oneself and others, leading to improved relationships and communication.

 Improved cognitive abilities: Mindfulness practices have been linked to improvements in cognitive functions like memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By training the mind to stay present and focused, students can enhance their cognitive abilities and academic performance.

Better resilience and adaptability: Mindfulness encourages students to embrace change, setbacks, and challenges as opportunities for growth. By cultivating a mindset of acceptance and non-attachment, students become more resilient, adaptable, and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of academic and personal life.

Increased overall well-being: Engaging in mindfulness practices on a regular basis has been associated with increased overall well-being and life satisfaction. It promotes a sense of inner calm, balance, and happiness, helping students navigate the demands of school while maintaining a healthy perspective.