“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
Welcome!
On this site, you'll find valuable resources on:
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The importance of mindfulness in social work practice
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Why mindfulness should be integrated into social work education
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A 15-week curriculum of short mindfulness videos to play in class
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Research and tools for incorporating mindfulness into your classroom
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Watch the video to learn more!
We know your syllabus is packed, but integrating mindfulness is easier than it may seem. Dedicating just 5–10 minutes at the start of class can help students enhance focus, reduce stress, and engage more deeply in learning.
Social work students are stressed and overwhelmed
Social work education holds a duty to prepare students to become healthy practitioners. By equipping social work students with essential self-care skills, we empower them to thrive in their education and enhance their ability to provide high-quality care in the field.
1 in 2 social work students:
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Report significant stress affecting their well-being
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Experience emotional exhaustion during their field practicum, citing inadequate self-care
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Exhibit significant symptoms of depression and anxiety
Won't that be hard to incorporate?
of all U.S.-based medical schools offer mindfulness meditation courses
of the top five U.S.-based law schools offer mindfulness courses or weekly sessions adapted for law students
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Studies show mindfulness training reduced medical student stress and mental health issues, as well as increased empathy, self-regulation, self-compassion, and improved comfort with interpersonal clinical skills.
While some social work programs worldwide have piloted mindfulness training for students, very few schools of social work have incorporated mindfulness into the curriculum. Even if you are teaching at a school without any mindfulness courses in the program level, you can add in mindfulness into your existing course.
Do you have 10 minutes to
help your students?
Image Caption: Using Mindfulness in Your Course
Step one: Invite students to take a moment at the beginning of the class to step out of doing into being; Step two: If possible, turn the lights low and play the weekly video for the class. Instructors are encouraged to also engage in the mindfulness practice to model presence. Step three: Take a few minutes to allow students to complete the journal reflection. Step four: Invite students to remain present and aware as you continue class and move into the course material. Repeat the next week!
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Starting the class once a week with just 10 minutes of presence can create a big impact! Help your students with their focus, presence, and increased regulation.