The Importance of Mindfulness

Samantha Clay

Blog 4 – The Importance of Mindfulness

Certain times of the school year are more stressful than others.  During the state testing windows everyone is stressed – students, teachers, administrators, district office assessment personnel, etc.  State EOG/EOC testing typically occurs near the end of the year and it requires an incredible amount of time and attention from school testing coordinators, and in my district, this is typically the assistant principal.  By this time of year, many school leaders are running on empty. They often tell me that they’re tired, overworked, and stressed out.  Sometimes they make mistakes or forget things and I wonder if this is due to the fact that they’re overwhelmed this time of year and have neglected to take care of themselves and de-stress.  When the testing window is over and materials are checked in, you can see the relief on their faces, some even do a happy dance – literally! 

This is where mindfulness comes into play.  I think that this time of year is a particularly stressful time and that developing daily practices including uninterrupted quite time and reflection would be central to helping leaders stay focused, centered and develop a sense of calm.  Mindfulness meditation involves being fully aware and present in the moment and has been supported by research to generate presence, focus, and wellness and create a sense of relaxation and calm.  The practice can promote clarity and enhance understanding while building resilience in the face of stressful situations and circumstances.  When leaders can be more present and take care of themselves, they can more easily face challenges in the work environment. 

Mindfulness practices are becoming more known and accepted in educational circles and has the potential to enhance the daily practices of school leaders and teachers as well as enhance learning.  Mindfulness practices can be utilized by everyone in the school.  This can also tie in well with social-emotional learning (SEL) which is being implemented in my district also.  Mindfulness can be used to mitigate effects of challenging and stressful situations.