a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
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.
Instructors looking for a physical, energizing way to help students recharge and refocus may find value in a Movement Break. This practice incorporates short, mindful movements to release tension and improve alertness, making it ideal for longer classes, online learning, or high-stress periods like midterms or finals.
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).
