Enhancing Mental Well-Being and Language Learning Through Mindfulness and Yoga-Based Practices
Kenneth Leow, Yueh Yea Lo
Applied Mindfulness and Integrative Practices for Mental Well-Being May 6, 2026 DOI: 10.4018/979-8-2600-1202-4.ch003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindfulness Yoga |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Argues that integrating mindfulness and yoga-based practices into ESL instruction offers a holistic pedagogy that can reduce learner anxiety, enhance self-regulation, and improve academic engagement, thereby supporting language proficiency, psychological resilience, and intercultural competence. |
Abstract
This chapter explores the integration of mindfulness and yoga-based practices into English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to address both the linguistic and emotional challenges faced by English Language Learners (ELLs). Drawing on classroom-based applications, student reflections, and interdisciplinary research, it argues for a holistic pedagogical approach that supports cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. Mindfulness and yoga are presented as accessible tools to reduce anxiety, enhance self-regulation, and improve academic engagement. By embedding contemplative practices in ESL classrooms, educators can create inclusive, growth-oriented environments that foster language proficiency, psychological resilience, and intercultural competence.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mechanisms of mindfulness | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 13
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Differentiating mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy clinically: the why, how, and what of evidence-based practice. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- The impact of mindfulness intervention on the subjective well-being of nursing students: an experimental study. BMC Psychology August 22, 2025
- Investigating the Efficacy of an Integrative Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) in Indian College Students: An Eclectic Approach Combining Mindfulness meditation, Guided Imagery, and Gratitude Journaling Journal of College Student Mental Health June 5, 2025
and 8 more in the library