Mindfulness originated in Buddhist meditation practices thousands of years ago. It involves paying attention to present moments in a non-judgmental way. Research shows mindfulness can benefit mental health by reducing stress and improving focus, well-being, and performance. Schools are introducing mindfulness exercises to help students learn to control intrusive thoughts and regulate emotions, which enhances coping skills and relationships. Brief guided mindfulness practices can be incorporated into any classroom subject or activity.

1. Mindfulness in Schools
Michelle Spirit FCIPD, MSc, DCG, RMN, Dip(Hyp)Psych
www.spiritresilience.com

2. Objectives
• Know what it is
• The benefits
• Using mindfulness in schools

3. Understanding Mindfulness
• Originated in Buddhism and meditation
practice 2,500 years ago
• Reduces unhelpful responses to experience
• Jon-Kabat-Zinn ran 8 week MBSR course for
those in pain
• 1970s research showed impact hence interest

4. What is it?
• Paying attention to each moment
• Being curious about your thoughts, feeling
and sensations in a non-judgmental way
• Not dwelling on what has happened or might
happen
• Learning how to control thoughts
• Remembering that THOUGHTS ARE NOT
FACTS

5. Exercise
• 123
• 321

6. ‘Mindfulness is being alive, and knowing it’. Jon
Kabat-Zinn
It’s about noticing the small details of our
experience, things we would normally rush past

7. Benefits
Helps people feel better able to cope with
pressure
Enhances relationships
Improves focus and concentration
Increases well-being and performance
Improves immunity
Why does it work?

8. Listening exercise

13. Exercise
• Oh no!

14. Super res

15. Corn lot

16. Recline oft

17. Aim Ruin Not

19. Mindfulness helps turn down the
Chatterings
This helps young people learn that:
•They are not your their thoughts
•They can control their thoughts
•This changes the way they feel

20. eek moments…putting out the spark
Interoception…the sense of the physiological
conditions of the body. Becoming aware of early signs.
Physical
Emotional
Thinking
Behaviour

21. The amygdala clues
Physical Dry mouth, heart pounding, numbness/tingling, butterflies in stomach,
need to visit the toilet, sharper senses, nausea, crying
Emotional Immediate emotional judgement , short temper, feeling overwhelmed,
paranoia, agitation and inability to relax
Behavioural Nervous habits (nail biting, pacing), procrastinating or neglecting
responsibilities.
Thinking Racing thoughts, poor memory, inability to concentrate, constant
worrying, seeing only the negative, poor judgement

26. How can you introduce it in schools?
Pastoral
Subjects? Music for confidence, sport for that
big kick, drama to centre
Any exam situation, interview practice,
transition, mentoring
•www.dotbe.org 10 week course
•www.mindfulnessinschools.org