Mindful Learning: A Peaceful Path to Better Focus and Less Stress in Schools

In an age overrun by distractions, it is important to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying keen attention to the present moments without judgment. It is a skill that must be learned and cultivated by students who desire academic excellece. Developing mindful habits toward studies will lead to reduction in stress and lead to increase in focus.

There have been numerous bodies in the educational sector which have defined and examined mindfulness in the process of acquiring knowledge. The report of the Mindfulness All-Party Parliamentary Group(MAPPG) examines the possible benefits of mindfulness in education. It defines mindfulness in education as “the awareness that arises from paying attentions, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”  While we have been opened to various definitions, It is pertinent to understand that the state of mindfulness involves being present, active, and be at alert to your environment.

Research-proven benefits of mindfulness in education include:

1. Enhance student focus and concentration: When a  student is being mindful of his studies, it means all his attention is directed to his studies, and the outcome is always excellent.
2. Develop growth mindset in students: Mindfulness in learning helps students to develop growth mindset. With growth mindset, students see obstacles as stepping stones and all their steps are being taken to achieve their goals.
3. Enhanced decision making: Mindfulness helps one to be in total control of ones life, and making certain decisions by oneself. 
4. Increase resilience: Mindfulness serves as a drive that raises one’s feet and keeps one focus even in the midst of life threatening challenges.
5. Help in managing stress and undue pressure: When you are mindful and in control of your life, managing stress become more easy. It helps one not to be easily wept away by pressure.
6. Foster creativity among students: Mindfulness fosters creativity as it makes students hone their skills to be creative.
7. Boost self-confidence: In the state of being conscious, mindfulness boosts self-confidence and makes one unwavering in pursuing a goal.
8. Improve time management skills: Mindful students are always ready to effectively utilize time to achieve goals. This leads to effective time management.
9. Ensure effective communication between teachers and students: With mindfulness, words are carefully chosen in the act of communication.
10. Elevate overall well being: Cultivating mindfulness habits elevates one’s well being by making one to be in the right frame of mind.

Mindfulness Techniques

1. Mindful meditation: This involves being present in a moment by being deep in  thought.
2. Mindful breathing exercise: This can be done by breathing in and out in a mindful manner. It helps to reduce anxiety.
3. Mindful listening: Listening is one of the skills to achieve effective communication. It is the deliberate effort to not only hear  people but comprehend what is being said with rapt attention.
4. Mindful reading and writing: This is a deliberate effort in avoiding distractions in the process of learning. Reading and writing requires full concentration and when done with it, the result is always mind blowing.
5. Mindful engagement in extracurricular activities: Students are often distracted by tons of extracurricular activities. However, identifying and engaging in meaningful activities that align with one goals is very essential.

Implementing Mindfulness in Education to Increase Focus and Reduce Stress.

1. Start small: Every journey begins with a step. Practice small but regular exercise such as deep breathing. It will help in calming your mind and reduce stress.
2. Mindful Time Management: Discipline yourself to effectively manage your time. Academic life is full of activities that shift once focus if care is not taken. You can manage your time by prioritizing your tasks and setting specific time for study and break.
3. Mindful Networking: The fact is we can’t live  in isolation and as students, you have to connect and collaborate with like minded individuals. The act of networking is sometimes overwhelming. Manage the act well to reduce anxiety and social pressure.
4.  Mindful listening and speaking: As students, you will always find yourself in the act of communication. However, it is good to be mindful of your words either in writing or speaking. Ponder on your thoughts before letting them out as words.
5. Mindful environment : Your environment has a vital role to play in your success. Know yourself and find the environment that will foster your growth.

In a fast-paced and competitive world, where one is usually overwhelmed and easily distracted in the process of learning, mindfulness in education is a valuable skill in ensuring academic excellence. By incorporating the aforementioned techniques, anxiety, undue stress and pressure would be reduced and most importantly, excellence is achievable.