'Tis the season for mistletoe, mid-year exams, and mindfulness. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, students are being pulled in a ton of different directions—between family, work, and school, things can get to be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, as educators we can help ease the tension of test-taking and other teenaged tribulations by incorporating a little mindfulness into their school week. These eight tips for teaching mindfulness offer some instructional advice that's perfect for both beginners and aficionados alike.

But why teach mindfulness in the first place? Besides being proven in studies to lower stress, mindfulness has also shown that it can help increase grades, lower the risk of depression among teens, and improve sleep quality. And the benefits don't stop there—tons of research from numerous institutions have shown the effects of mindfulness training and how it's improved overall classroom focus, engagement, and attendance. But there's only one way to reap the benefits of mindfulness in your TXGU space, so go ahead and give it try. We don't mind if you do.