16 days ago
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Posted On: October 20th 2026, 04:00 pm
Can mindfulness help young children build healthier habits?
New research from Dr. Katherine Soule at @ucdavis and colleagues explores the feasibility and effectiveness of Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies—a four-lesson mindfulness intervention designed for early childhood settings.
The two-state pilot included 96 children in California and New Hampshire and found significant improvements across 14 measured behaviors, including mindful eating, yoga and physical activity, emotional expression, attention, and reflection.
The study also found that the curriculum was well received by educators and families and could be integrated into early childhood nutrition education with relatively few adaptations.
Congratulations to Dr. Soule and colleague, their program, program Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies received 2nd Place National Award for Early Childhood Education from the National Association of Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NAEAFCS)
While more research—including controlled trials and longer-term follow-up—is needed, these findings offer promising evidence for combining mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity and social-emotional learning to support young children's development.
@ucanr
Read the study at the link in bio.
Image description: children, seated with eyes closed and hands in a circle. Image text: Mindful Kids, Healthier Habits. Statistically significant improvements: Mindful eating Physical activity Yoga practice Attention Social-emotional skills. Exploring mindfulness, nutrition and well-being in early childhood
New research from Dr. Katherine Soule at @ucdavis and colleagues explores the feasibility and effectiveness of Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies—a four-lesson mindfulness intervention designed for early childhood settings.
The two-state pilot included 96 children in California and New Hampshire and found significant improvements across 14 measured behaviors, including mindful eating, yoga and physical activity, emotional expression, attention, and reflection.
The study also found that the curriculum was well received by educators and families and could be integrated into early childhood nutrition education with relatively few adaptations.
Congratulations to Dr. Soule and colleague, their program, program Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies received 2nd Place National Award for Early Childhood Education from the National Association of Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NAEAFCS)
While more research—including controlled trials and longer-term follow-up—is needed, these findings offer promising evidence for combining mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity and social-emotional learning to support young children's development.
@ucanr
Read the study at the link in bio.
Image description: children, seated with eyes closed and hands in a circle. Image text: Mindful Kids, Healthier Habits. Statistically significant improvements: Mindful eating Physical activity Yoga practice Attention Social-emotional skills. Exploring mindfulness, nutrition and well-being in early childhood
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