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In a hurried, hectic and often overwhelming world, people have learned that there is great power in taking a few minutes to pause and reset through meditation and mindfulness. This is especially true for students who often find themselves under great pressure, while grappling with demands to perform at the highest standards. Students have recognized the many benefits of incorporating a mindful meditation practice into their daily routines.
Higher IQ levels and academic performance
According to Transcendental Meditation, students practicing meditation benefit from improved brain function, specifically in terms of their creative thinking as well as their IQ. Meditation improves the ability of students to contend with new learning situations, which is known as “fluid intelligence”. Meditating students have shown greater academic achievement in both math and English disciplines.
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Relief from stress
Mindworks reports that while a healthy amount of stress is needed to propel you towards achieving your goals, too much stress can have the opposite effect. Students who find themselves juggling a heavy academic workload along with extracurricular activities often feel unable to cope with their burdens.
A daily mindfulness practice, even just a short practice lasting only a few minutes, can help students manage their intense schedules and recharge. The practice of meditation can provide relief from stress and feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
Better concentration
Meditation can improve focus and concentration that students need to succeed. Guided meditation and breathwork can help students focus on the present moment which can enhance their attention spans and can make test taking or concentrating during lectures much easier.
A good night’s sleep
A study published by the National Library of Medicine’s Center for Biotechnological Information revealed that there is a clear link between meditation and improved sleep quality and also showed that meditation can be an effective treatment for insomnia.
Students are often sleep deprived, as worry about upcoming tests or project deadlines can keep them awake at night. Research has shown that meditation can often help them get back to sleep more effectively than traditional sleep medications.
Mandated meditation for all students in Karnataka
In the state of Karnataka in southern India, the Varthabharati reported that the local Minister for School Education and Literacy, B C Nagesh recently issued an order mandating ten minutes of meditation for students in all schools and pre-university colleges in Karnataka.
“The order has been issued to help students develop their concentration, health and positive thinking along with overcoming hurdles. The meditation will contribute to personality development of the students and support them in excelling in studies,” Nagesh was quoted as having stated on social media.
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Maybe educators around the world will follow the precedent set in India and consider incorporating meditation into the schedules of their students. Many students are already learning on their own the valuable lesson that they can ease the pressures and demands on their time by adopting a mindfulness practice and learning how to find their internal calm.
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