What are the Benefits of Meditation?
There are many advantages to practicing mindfulness and meditation. Incorporating meditation into your child’s daily schedule could make a world of difference in their performance in school. Keep reading to better understand the benefits of meditation and how you and your child (yes, even you) can practice meditative techniques!
What is Meditation?
Before we get into some of the benefits of meditation, it is important to understand what it actually is. Simply put, meditation is a way of connecting with your inner self. There are different types of meditation that implement somewhat distinct methods. However, at the core of all meditation is paying close attention to your mind and body. It’s about focusing on yourself and becoming more in tune with who you are and who you want to be.
What are the benefits?
The advantages of mediation on a person’s wellness have been scientifically studied. Some benefits of your child following a meditative lifestyle include:
Increased Academic Success
By meditating, your child can improve their academic performance. That’s right, by taking a few minutes each day to sit in a quiet environment and focus on their thoughts, they can become better students. Mediation significantly improves mental clarity and cognition. If your child is getting lower than anticipated test scores, this could be something to try in addition to refining their study habits. Check out our other blog post on maximizing your child's academic success.
Improved Focus and Concentration in Class
Aside from just helping your child retain information, meditation will help them become more attentive in class. Does your child often become unfocused while the teacher is talking or while they are supposed to be doing independent work? If so, meditation will help reduce mind wandering and ensure they are actively involved in class. Thus, meditation is really a double whammy in terms of helping your child become a better student!
Reduced Stress
Whether virtually or in-person, your child experiences many stressors during the school day. This can range from academic struggles and challenges with interpersonal relationships, to unstable internet access. Mind-body practices can really help your child reduce the stress that they are experiencing and cope with these difficult situations.
A Better Night’s Sleep
Meditation can also help your child free their minds and dispel their worries and excess thoughts. Not to mention, meditation helps adjust their brains to more appropriate frequencies before bed. Therefore, they will be able to rest their heads at night with ease, thinking more positively and clearly about their life purpose.
How to Get Started with Meditation
Your child can get started meditating at any time and wherever they feel most comfortable. They can watch video tutorials online or use certain applications for guidance. However, it can be even simpler than that.
Have them start by getting comfortable in a peaceful, quiet place. Perhaps they will want to sit down (pretzel style is a fine position) on a yoga mat or carpeted floor, or even lay down in their bed. They should get relaxed and close their eyes. Then comes the tough part. They will have to try and calm their minds of the many thoughts that try to enter in. With that, make sure they concentrate on the sound of their breaths. The key is to inhale and exhale deeply.
Ensure them not to worry if they cannot do this at first. Meditation takes time to master, and a great deal of patience and persistence. They must keep at it. However, even a few minutes of stillness a day will help them tremendously as a student.
While this is an excellent way for your child to improve their lifestyle, we encourage you as their parent to participate in meditation and self-reflection, as well! It will do wonders for you and your entire family, leaving you all feeling calmer, happier, and with a better sense of who you are.
All the best,
Your friends at Connecting Concepts Tutoring
1-on-1 support is key to your child's success! K-12 and SAT/ACT
