How Meditation in the Classroom Can Help Your Students Master Life

Studies have shown meditation to have a positive significant effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing. So much so, in fact, that businesses are beginning to introduce it to the workplace.

For example, a Detroit-based chemical plant introduced meditation their staff only to discover several phenomenal improvements. Among them includes an 85% decrease in absences, a 120% increase in productivity, a 70% reduction in injuries, and a whopping 520% increase in profit.

With such strong results, it begs the question: what would happen if we include meditation in the classroom?

Understanding Meditation

Before you begin picturing young students sitting cross-legged on a mountaintop trying to find inner peace, let us explain what we mean by meditation. You don’t have to be a Buddhist monk to practice it.

All it takes is a comfortable silence as one empties his or her mind and focuses on breathing. Anyone can meditate, and it doesn’t take long to do. Even a minute or two of practicing this act of stillness can make an impact.

You just want to make sure you use comfortable classroom furniture or practice meditation while standing up. If you try to meditate in an awkward or uncomfortable position, it can disrupt your ability to meditate properly.

The Benefits of Meditation in the Classroom

But what does meditation do, exactly? Here are a few of the benefits you can expect when introducing this practice into a classroom setting:

Meditation Improves Student Focus

Short attention spans are a common problem among students. However, a few minutes of meditation can help clear their mind of busy thoughts.

Because meditation allows you to call the mind and sort through your thoughts, it clears out distractions much like a good dusting clears out cobwebs. After a few short minutes of silence and focused breathing, students open their eyes with a clear mind, allowing them to focus solely on the task in front of them.

Meditation Reduces Anxiety in Students

Anxiety builds as we harbor troubling thoughts or emotions. As they compound in our mind, it stresses us out. The worries inside our mind turn into a form of white noise that keeps us from thinking clearly.

When students meditate, they find the silence to sort through everything wound up inside their minds. It gives them a chance to exhale not just their breath, but all of the troubles they’ve hoarded within themselves.

When this happens, they relax.

Meditation Improves Students’ Overall Academic Performance

Giving students the ability to empty one’s mind and temper one’s emotions open their minds to learning. They are able to begin their day or their assignments with a clear focus, absorbing information better and engaging more wholly with their studies.

Schools that implement meditation as part of their students’ practice find it shows in test scores, grades, and more. In fact, some schools in Baltimore, Maryland have even implemented meditation as part of their detention program.

The results? Fewer detention referrals and absolutely no suspensions. Through meditation, the students learn to better control their emotions and how to practice mindfulness.

This, in turn, prevents repeat offenses and helps them grow as individuals.

Knowing this, how can we not make meditation part of our regular academic setting?

Learn More About Mindfulness

While meditation in the classroom is a great idea, it doesn’t have to stop there. Why not make meditation part of your daily practice?

We have an entire section of articles dedicated to the practice of mindfulness. Dive in and explore our insight into meditation as well as tips for self-discovery, and more!