Mindfulness in schools

The mental health charity Mind provides a definition of mindfulness:

Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what’s happening in the present moment, without judgement. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body or surroundings. The technique has roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don’t have to be spiritual, or have any particular beliefs, to try it.

Mindfulness aims to help you:

• become more self-aware
• feel calmer and less stressed
• feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
• cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
• be kinder towards yourself.

A study published in Sociological Research Online in 2020 estimated (based on a survey from 2018) that 15% of adults in Britain had learnt to practise mindfulness.

The NHS website says that mindfulness “can help us enjoy life more and understand ourselves better.” Information is also available from charities such as Mind, the Mental Health Foundation and Age UK.

Further reading

Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP)

Westminster to debate Brianna Ghey legacy Peace in Mind campaign
Warrington Guardian
31 January 2024

Mentors, nurture rooms and mindfulness: what schools can do to improve pupils’ mental health
The Conversation
17 January 2024

Brianna Ghey’s mum launches campaign in daughter’s memory
Pink News
7 September 2023

Mindfulness in schools doesn’t improve mental health. Here’s why that’s a positive
Wellcome
28 July 2023

Post-lockdown: A need to be mindful of teachers and students
Schools Week
10 May 2020

The Mindfulness Initiative’s Education Strategy
The Mindfulness Initiative
17 April 2020