Meditation: The Classroom Game Changer for Students

Being a student has changed dramatically. I remember (and yes, this might make me sound old!) when we'd chat with friends on the school bus, dive into a book, and be fully engaged in class. Recess was about sports, board games, hurriedly finishing assignments, or simply enjoying lunch. We were, for the most part, present in the moment, not overwhelmed by a constant stream of information. It felt like an academic utopia compared to today.

Now, students face a vastly different reality. With the entire world's information at their fingertips and apps like TikTok and Instagram vying for their attention, it's a relentless battle. The rise in ADHD, an increase in tics, and a decline in meaningful peer interactions are alarming signs.

Today's students are caught in a web of toxic distractions, often without the necessary tools to navigate these challenges effectively. This may lead to anxiety, a lack of focus and a deterioration of grades.

The reality is, there's no turning back from technology – it's a permanent part of our lives now. We have to learn to coexist with it. Furthermore, relying on medication as the sole solution for our youth isn't just unsustainable; it's a short-sighted approach. Ignoring the issue won't help either.

What we need is a positive, lasting strategy that can bring about real change for students. It's crucial to arm these young minds with the tools and skills they need to navigate the complexities of today's world. That's where meditation comes in as an ideal solution. Let's dive into why and how it can make a difference.

First off, the impact of meditation on the brain is not just anecdotal; it's scientifically proven. Take, for instance, the ground-breaking studies from Harvard University, including Sara Lazar's research. This study involved everyday individuals who meditated for 20 minutes daily over 8 weeks.

The results, revealed through brain scans, were striking. Regular meditation led to the shrinking of the amygdala, the brain's anxiety control centre, and the expansion of the hippocampus, responsible for learning and memory. This is particularly significant for teenagers, whose brains are highly adaptable at their age.

By embracing meditation, students can not only boost their learning and information retention capacities but also develop traits that foster better decision-making and set them on a path to success.

Meditation Boosts Positivity in Classroom Settings

With a smaller amygdala and a larger hippocampus, students won't just be better at managing anxiety and high-pressure situations; they'll also become more agreeable in the classroom.


This change can significantly ease the teacher's job. A more manageable class allows teachers to instruct with greater care and patience, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and effective learning environment.

Meditation isn't just about inner peace; it's also a powerful tool for increasing empathy. Regular practice, even if it's just for a moderate duration each day, can make students more empathetic towards their peers and teachers.

How does this work? It starts with the meditator gaining a deeper understanding of their own emotions and thoughts. As they become more attuned to their internal thought processes and emotional landscape, they begin to comprehend how others might think and feel. This understanding stems from learning to step back from biased thought patterns and subjective assessments.

By recognising their own emotional barriers, meditators can communicate more openly, free from preconceived notions about others. Essentially, meditation instils the principle of non-judgmental awareness, enabling practitioners to engage in more unbiased and open communication, without judging the opinions or characteristics of others.

Moreover, it has been shown many times that there’s a clear correlation between heightened levels of anxiety or anger (both qualities that come with the advent of puberty) and decreased empathy. So basically, the more angry or anxious a person is, the less empathy they are likely to feel.

Author and distinguished psychologist Sir Simon Philip Baron-Cohen has discussed this correlation by revealing that when we get anxious or angry, it's like certain parts of our brain hit the gas while others hit the brakes. The amygdala, our emotion's control centre, goes into overdrive. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, which helps us understand and relate to other people's feelings, takes a bit of a back seat.

This shift in our brain's activity can put a temporary pause on our usual empathetic reactions, those instincts that help us see things from someone else's point of view. When students are trained to experience more empathy through the serene practice of meditation (or even Meta Meditation, which is focused entirely on improving empathy), they will not only treat each other more compassionately, but extend their kindness to their teacher.

Empathy is like a muscle. The more you use it the more it grows. If you don’t train your empathy, it may slowly deteriorate.

Meditation fosters a more attentive and engaged classroom

Regular meditation in the classroom opens the door to a multitude of benefits for students. These include improved sleep, leading to better mood regulation; enhanced social skills, stemming from increased patience and better listening abilities; heightened concentration and focus, encouraging more attentive class participation; stronger memory, aiding in information retention and study skills; greater discipline, resulting in more completed homework and fewer distractions; and, importantly, reduced stress and anxiety, equipping students to approach exams with a clearer, more focused mind.

Each of these attributes contributes to shaping a student who is not only academically adept but also eager to learn, excel, and cooperate.

If you've read this far, it's clear that meditation can profoundly impact students in the classroom and beyond. What's truly remarkable about meditation is its ability to prepare young people for the real world in the most sustainable, enduring, and natural way. It's not just about achieving immediate outcomes; it's about positively shaping lives and fostering habits that enhance well-being for a lifetime.

If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of classroom meditation firsthand, Enso offers sessions both in-person and virtually. We're committed to ensuring your experience as a teacher is more rewarding and positive. Remember, the performance of your class often reflects your capabilities as a teacher. So why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?