In today’s Nepali education system, students face immense pressure and expectations from both their parents and society to perform well in their exams. The fear of disappointing their parents and the potential consequences of low grades such as being unable to pursue their desired career or social stigma can be overwhelming for students. This pressure often leads to mental health issues and stress, which can negatively impact their performance on exams and their overall well-being.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being in education. Introducing meditation in classrooms can be a powerful tool to help students manage stress, increase focus and creativity, and improve their mental and emotional well-being.
Practising meditation in classrooms
Meditation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures around the world to promote mindfulness and relaxation. It involves focusing one’s attention on a particular object such as the breath or a sound, to quiet the mind and become more aware of the present moment.
Regular meditation practice has been shown to have a range of benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and increasing focus and attention span.
In the context of the Nepali education system, meditation in classrooms can be particularly beneficial for students who are dealing with the pressure of exams and results. By learning to be more present and aware of their thoughts and feelings, students can develop a greater sense of control over their emotions and reactions.
They can also learn to be more compassionate towards themselves and others, which can help reduce feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. Furthermore, meditation can help students improve their focus and concentration, which is crucial for academic success.
By training their minds to be more focused with meditations in classrooms, students can stay more engaged in their studies and retain information better. They can also develop better problem-solving skills and creativity, which can help them perform better in exams and pursue their passions outside of the classroom.
One of the biggest benefits of introducing meditation in classrooms is that it creates a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their emotions and learn coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. This is especially important in the context of Nepali culture, where mental health is often stigmatised and not given the attention it deserves.
By normalising mental health practices like meditation, schools can help students break down these barriers and create a culture of openness and support.
Additionally, meditation in classrooms can help students address the issue of suicide and other negative coping mechanisms, in particular those who receive low grades in exams.
In Nepal, there have been numerous cases of students taking their own lives or engaging in other forms of self-harm due to the shame and fear associated with poor exam results. By teaching students healthy coping mechanisms like meditation in classrooms, schools can help prevent these tragic outcomes and promote overall well-being among students.
Meditation is not a one-size-fits-all solution
But it is important to note that introducing meditation in classrooms is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Different students may have different needs and preferences. Hence, it is important to tailor meditation practices to their individual needs. It is also important to approach meditation in a secular manner, free from any religious or cultural biases. This is necessary to ensure that all students feel included and comfortable participating.
In conclusion, introducing meditation in classrooms can have a range of benefits for students’ mental health, focus, and creativity. In the context of the Nepali education system, where students face immense pressure and expectations from society and their families, meditation can be a powerful tool to help them manage stress and improve their overall well-being.
By creating a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their emotions and learn coping mechanisms, schools can help to promote a culture of openness and support, which can ultimately improve academic performance and the overall well-being of the student.
