Mindfulness and the Brain

Research shows that some parts of the brain are inactivated when we are stressed. The Amygdala, a very old region of the brain associated with fear and negative emotions, takes over.

Mindfulness practice can help us overcome stress and anxiety. Studies show that mindfulness decouples the Amygdala from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, which processes conflict and ongoing states. In other words, it helps us reduce the effects of stress and manage our thoughts and emotions.

Mindfulness can also improve our ability to focus, reason clearly, and self-regulate. MRIs have shown that mindfulness can activate the Prefrontal Cortex, which regulates thoughts. It also activates the Posterior Cingulate Cortex, which regulates mind-wandering, self-referential thought processes, and memory recollection.

The Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Strategies

Decades of research have shown benefits from mindfulness-based relaxation response strategies, both in and outside of school settings.
Reduced Burnout*
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Studies show that mindfulness-based courses can help reduce teachers’ symptoms of burnout.

Improved Social-Emotional Resilience*
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Mindfulness-based programs help with cognitive and social-emotional development and social-emotional resilience in children.

Increased Compassion*
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Mindfulness can increase compassion in children and adolescents, including in their responses to suffering.

Improved Attention*
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Research shows that concentrative meditation training, a form of mindfulness training, can help develop adolescents’ attention networks.

Improved Emotion Regulation*
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Mindfulness-based intervention programs are known to help with emotion regulation, emotional health, and interpersonal functions.

Reduced Feelings of Stress and Anxiety*
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Mindfulness appears to reduce anxiety and stress reactions, especially for people with anxiety disorders.

How Mindfulness Helps in School Settings

Benefits for Students
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Students who use mindfulness techniques have better mental health, cognitive outcomes, and social-emotional skills. These benefits may help them throughout their lives.

  • Improved attention and focus (1)
  • Fewer behavior challenges (2)
  • Greater empathy, compassion, and perspective-taking (3)
  • More emotion regulation (4)
  • Less anxiety and depression (5)
Benefits for Educators
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Mindfulness helps teachers improve their mental health and become more effective at their jobs. Randomized controlled trials have found that teachers who try mindfulness enjoy:

  • Less stress (6)
  • Less burnout (7)
  • More emotionally supportive classrooms (8)
  • More organized classrooms (9)
  • More efficacy in their jobs (10)

Why Mindfulness In School?

In today’s world, the stressors of daily life can cause children and adults alike to feel frustrated, overwhelmed and anxious.

Calm Classroom provides practical mindfulness-based tools to help us manage stress and achieve emotional well-being throughout the day by activating the body’s relaxation response. When we’re feeling focused, relaxed and energized, we are empowered.

Calm Classroom Mindfulness Program Results

What Teachers Are Saying About Their Students*
  • 92% say their students are calmer and more peaceful after practicing Calm Classroom.
  • 83% say their students are better able to regulate emotions.
  • 89% say their students are more engaged and learning-ready after practicing.
  • 86% say their students enjoy practicing Calm Classroom.
What Teachers Are Saying About Themselves*
  • 78% experience a reduction in stress and anxiety.
  • 83% feel more aware of their thoughts and emotions.
  • 84% feel more physically relaxed.
  • 92% feel that Calm Classroom is effective.

View Our Teacher Survey Results

Calm Classroom offers a positive, proactive approach to supporting mental health and boosting engagement for students and teachers. Download one of our teacher survey reports to see the impact of Calm Classroom!

Complete the form to see the results:

Calm Classroom Testimonials

“I have seen many programs come and go in the Chicago Public Schools and Calm Classroom is one of the few that I embrace with my whole heart. It is intentional, well researched, and consistent. The message is simple and elegant. It works.”

“The few, but powerful, minutes of Calm Classroom every morning and afternoon are some of the most meaningful, stress-free moments in each of our school days.”

“I believe Calm Classroom has helped the overall environment of the classroom. It keeps me calm when I feel rushed or stressed and makes me recognize my own emotions. I think the students feel better when they have a chance to take a breath and relax their mind.”

“I teach students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To watch my students execute Calm Classroom is absolutely AMAZING! It REALLY helps them regulate their frustrations and anxieties.”

Calm Classroom has changed the whole dynamic of my classroom. My children are able to self-regulate their emotions more easily.”