Research and Resources for Schools
Living Aware draws on an evidence-based approach to mindfulness and wellbeing training, informed by Lydia’s extensive experience working across diverse school communities.
A growing body of research suggests that mindfulness-based approaches support teacher wellbeing, by reducing perceived stress and strengthening the awareness and self-regulation skills that help educators meet the demands of school life.
This page brings together selected research and resources on teacher wellbeing, mindfulness in education and supporting young people.
Teacher Wellbeing and Mindfulness
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 13 randomised controlled trials involving more than 2,100 teachers. Overall, mindfulness-based interventions were associated with reduced perceived stress and negative emotions and increased mindfulness.
Read the 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis →
MBSR for Teachers
A cluster-randomised controlled trial involving 191 lower-secondary teachers across 110 schools examined the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Teachers who participated in MBSR experienced significantly greater reductions in perceived stress than those in the wait-list control group, with benefits evident at both three- and six-month follow-up.
“The course helped me take a step back, put yourself in the other person’s shoes and breathe. To listen, be calm and not judge. Edwina, 8 week course for Teachers
Mindfulness and Teaching
Mindfulness supports more than stress management. A 2026 systematic review examined 21 studies of mindfulness-based interventions for pre-service and practising K-12 teachers.
The review found positive effects on teachers’ intrapersonal mindful teaching and self-efficacy, with support for interpersonal relationships.
Read the 2026 review of mindfulness and teaching →
Longer-Term Teacher Wellbeing
A 2026 nationwide cluster-randomised trial involving teachers from 110 schools examined a one-year mindfulness-based teacher training program. At 12 months, the program produced a significant reduction in perceived stress.
Read the long-term teacher wellbeing study →
Mindfulness in the Classroom
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley provides an accessible overview of research examining mindfulness training for teachers.
The study found benefits including reduced psychological distress and burnout, increased self-compassion and improvements in aspects of classroom organisation and teaching practice.
Can Mindfulness Make Us Better Teachers? →
Supporting Young People
Mindfulness and awareness practices give young people practical ways to recognise thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, pause before reacting and find greater steadiness when life feels overwhelming.
Rather than simply asking young people to “calm down”, awareness practices can help them understand what is happening within themselves and develop skills they can draw on in everyday life.
[AWARENESS FOR TEENS VIDEO — if retained]
Living Aware’s student programs translate these principles into accessible, age-appropriate experiences for the school environment.
Explore Awareness for Teens and Just Breathe →
Further Research
Interested in exploring more of the evidence behind the Living Aware approach?
Visit the main Living Aware Research page for further research into mindfulness, meditation, stress, wellbeing and awareness.
Explore Living Aware Research →
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