Research shows that a highly stressed brain does not absorb or remember information, causing learning to essentially shut down. Today’s students are more stressed and anxious than ever, and classrooms have become tense places. Educators require knowledge and skills to facilitate and teach students stress-management techniques and find creative ways to embed them in the classroom culture and daily routines. Calming Student Stress is a synthesis of empirical-based mind-body practices that have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, help students remain centered and focused, and connect with the learning and each other. Various methods, techniques, and strategies that draw from mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, breathwork, and visualization are clearly defined, situated within current research, and geared towards both elementary and secondary students. Suggestions on how to introduce mind-body practices to students, as well as administrators and parents, are also provided within this helpful guide.

Steve Haberlin, PhD, is an assistant professor in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Haberlin has researched and provided workshops on mindfulness and meditation in educational settings for the past decade. He is also the author of Meditation in the College Classroom: A Pedagogical Tool to Help Students De-Stress, Focus, and Connect (2022).