How can students manage their own state of mind? Students have busy schedules and pressure to perform, not to mention media overload, lack of face-to-face relationships, and a brain that is often in some level of fight or flight mode. These pressures often result in decreased efficiency, problems with attention, impulsive behaviors, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and social struggles.
So, how can we at ABIS address this issue in a positive and skillful way? The teachers at ABIS, with support from the IB Approaches to Learning have begun to work with students on a research backed approach to creating a happy healthier mind. Some of the many research backed benefits of Mindfulness include better focus and concentration, an increased sense of calm, more compassion, and a better understanding of how our brain works. These qualities are proven to increase focus and performance, improve response to difficult emotions, increase empathy and understanding of others, help us develop natural conflict resolution skills, not to mention we become happier, healthier people who are able to work and learn more effectively.
Students began learning about mindfulness last school year and we are excited to be building on what we’ve learned so far and hopefully seeing many positive results and benefits. For more information about mindfulness in schools, check out the Mindful Schools website which is where much of our curriculum is coming from.
Have a mindful day!
