This is not the front page

Why Mindfulness Matters in Higher Education

Mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment without judgment—has been shown to offer profound benefits for students. It can significantly enhance key cognitive facilities such as focus, memory, and problem-solving, skills that are vital for achieving academic success. (Hofmann et al., 2010; Shapiro et al., 2011). Further, research highlights that mindfulness practices, including meditation and deep breathing exercises, can significantly reduce test anxiety and improve academic performance among college students (Priebe & Kurtz-Costes, 2022).

Mindfulness is not just a tool for stress reduction—it’s a pathway to deeper engagement, better retention, and a more meaningful educational experience. As an instructor, your commitment to fostering mindfulness in the classroom can empower your students and  have a lasting impact on their personal and academic lives.
 

stack of rocks on the beach

Credit: Cairn by Romain HUNEAU on Unsplash. Accessed February 18, 2026 

Related Topics

See it in Practice

Students sitting peacefully in a classroom with their eyes closed.

Credit: "© Bussakon / Adobe Stock.” Accessed February 18, 2026.

Instructors seeking a simple yet impactful way to help students transition into the classroom and focus their attention might find value in a Mindful Moment. This practice encourages students to pause and center themselves, promoting presence and readiness to engage with the lesson. By dedicating just 1-2 minutes of mindfulness at the start of class, instructors can help students reduce stress, enhance focus, and create a calm learning environment.

To implement a mindful moment, follow these steps:

  1. Select the modality you wish to use to implement the activity.
    • In-person: Guide students verbally through a mindfulness exercise
    • Online: Share a pre-recorded audio or video clip
  2. Introduce the activity
    • Explain the purpose of the Mindful Moment. For example, “We are going to take a minute to settle into the present moment. This will help us focus and prepare for today’s lesson.”
    • Guide students through the exercise. Use prompts such as:
      • “Close your eyes, if you feel comfortable, and take three slow, deep breaths in through your nose... and out through your mouth.”
      • “Notice how your body feels sitting in your chair. Let go of any tension you might be holding.”
      • Or lead a brief body scan: “Bring your attention to your feet on the floor... notice your hands resting on your lap... feel the weight of your body against the chair.”
  3. Transition back to the class
    •  After the exercise, say something like, “Thank you for taking this moment to center yourself. Now let’s dive into today’s material.”

Some additional benefits of using this activity include helping students manage stress, fostering a sense of calm, and signaling the start of a focused learning session. You will also show your commitment to supporting students’ well-being.

Considerations

If you are uncomfortable leading a mindfulness exercise, see The Greater Good Science Center website or Insighttimer.com for guidance.

Related Examples

Mindfulness

Contributor(s)

References/Resources

  • Priebe, N. P., & Kurtz-Costes, B. E. (2022). The effect of mindfulness programs on collegiate test anxiety. Mindfulness, 13(11), 2868–2878.
  • Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183.
  • Shapiro, S. L., Brown, K. W., & Astin, J. A. (2011). Toward the integration of meditation into higher education: A review of research evidence. Teachers College Record, 113(3), 493–528.
     

Contributor(s)