The benefits of meditation in children and the impact on emotional intelligence

Known as the ability to contemplate, observe experiences that appear in the present moment and accept them without judging them, meditation can benefit children and their emotional intelligence.

The connection between meditation and emotional intelligence

Meditation is the practice that self-regulates the body and mind; through it we observe our mental patterns and the way we function. We learn to be present and aware of our own bodily action (movement, breathing) or internal stimuli (emotion, thought) that we face in the present moment, without appreciating or intervening in them. On the other hand, emotional intelligence has the same ability to monitor feelings and emotions, guiding a person\’s thinking and actions accordingly. Thus meditation and emotional intelligence are connected: by improving our level of mindfulness, which is one of many meditative practices, we can better understand our own emotions.

We all know that the little ones are used to expressing their feelings as they naturally do, unfiltered and unprocessed, because they can\’t find another way to release them. Through the practice of meditation, children who struggle to understand the complex emotions they are feeling will become calmer, managing to better focus on daily activities and even at school.

The benefits of meditation for children

Developing the ability to self-regulate emotions and sensory systems. This is done by learning basic techniques, such as conscious breathing that slows the heart rate, identifying symptoms of anxiety or stress in the body and \”centering\” the self in the present moment.

Reducing stress and anxiety. By learning to focus on breathing and other calming techniques, meditation can give children the tools to return to a calm state, helping them cope with life\’s challenges and make the right decisions for them.

An opportunity to disconnect. Like adults, children are often stressed and overwhelmed, sometimes even more stressed than adults, because they do not have the right language or strategies to combat what is upsetting them. Meditation thus helps them as a coping mechanism, stimulating the mind and body to act in harmony.

An opportunity to disconnect. Like adults, children are often stressed and overwhelmed, sometimes even more stressed than adults, because they do not have the right language or strategies to combat what is upsetting them. Meditation thus helps them as a coping mechanism, stimulating the mind and body to act in harmony.

Stimulating brain activity. Research has shown that when children practise meditation regularly, the parts of the brain involved in emotion management and executive functioning can be changed and this helps children in a variety of ways. Moreover, they learn to regulate their emotions, reducing their impulsivity and improving their concentration.

Increasing physical and emotional health. Children who practise meditation strengthen their immune system, have a normal blood pressure, or lower, and rest better. From the point of view of emotional health, it decreases the risk of anxiety and depression, can prolong the duration of attention and concentration, causing children to become more self-aware, leading to increased self-esteem.

The impact of meditation on children’s emotional intelligence therefore has direct implications in detecting and understanding both one\’s own emotions and those of others, improving emotional coping mechanisms as well as decision-making.