Teen Meditation in High School, Emotional Intelligence & Benefits

Good Morning America: Teen Meditation in High School

Teens are catching on to Meditation, and ABC’s Dan Harris explored how these brain exercises are helping young people manage stress, emotions, and even grades. Learn more about how Meditation is resonating with teens.

GMA: Unplug Meditation for Students

Though teens are often depicted in pop culture as wild and out of control, those who were part of the Meditation group Good Morning America visited at Unplug Meditation in Los Angeles seemed to be the complete opposite of the stereotype.

According to the news report, Meditation is even being taught in schools across America. Actor and comedian Russell Brand joined director David Lynch for Meditation at a San Francisco school, which credits the practice with reducing violence and boosting grades.

Good Morning America: Meditation Benefits

Teens and adults can benefit from Meditation, with positive effects such as:

• Improved Focus
• Better Test Scores
• Lower Blood Pressure

Neuroscience research has also found Meditation to rewire the brain, specifically in the areas that deal with Stress, Compassion, and Self-Awareness.

GMA: Uncovering Happiness Through Meditation

Harris also spoke to Dr Elisha Goldstein, the author of a book called Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Goldstein and his wife teach teens to meditate, even while enjoy music or going on a nature hike.

Participants said it made them less anxious and more focused. Teen brains are still developing, and Meditation could make a difference in the finished product, especially in combating the constant distractions of modern technology.

Good Morning America: Meditation & Emotional Intelligence

“There’s this incredible opportunity to cultivate a sense of emotional intelligence and to learn how to connect with people in meaningful ways,” Dr Goldstein said. “And that lays the foundations for the adult years that follow.”

Chloe Ashton, daughter of Dr Jennifer Ashton, recently learned Meditation. She reported feeling more relaxed and tackling problems in new ways. Dr Ashton joined Harris in the studio and said that Chloe was the one who pursued the practice.

GMA: Is Meditation Religious?

Dr Ashton said that young people have more stressors than in past generations, and Meditation can be great mental exercise. But is it religious? Not necessarily. “Religions incorporate Meditation, but there’s nothing religious about this,” Dr Ashton said.

Grownups can benefit from the practice as well. Is this something you would try or encourage your teen to learn about?