Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity

Mindfulness-based approaches to learning are attracting more and more teachers, therapists and school administrators. Mindfulness refers to being completely in touch with and aware of the present moment, as well as taking a non-evaluative and non-judgmental approach to one's inner experience. These methods are helping students, as well as their teachers, learn how to manage and minimize stress, become active engaged participants, enhance memory and learning, improve classroom climates, and even develop supportive communities. Mindfulness-based programs empower students to self-regulate, develop emotional intelligence, and gain a sense of control over both their minds and bodies.Improving working memory is one of the most effective ways to boost learning, focus, and academic performance—and mindfulness training is a powerful, research-backed strategy to strengthen it.

Mindfulness activity cards designed to build working memory and emotional intelligence through reflective, multisensory group activities

Working memory plays a key role in following directions, problem-solving, comprehension, and executive functioning skills, yet many students struggle with it. In this blog, we’ll explore how mindfulness practices can increase working memory capacity, reduce cognitive overload, and support learners of all ages in becoming more attentive, resilient, and self-aware.

What's Happening in the Classroom?

In today’s classrooms, students are expected to absorb new information rapidly, shift between subjects, and recall details with accuracy. Yet increasing academic pressures, high stress, and constant distractions, especially from technology, are straining students’ working memory systems. When working memory is overloaded, the brain cannot retain or process new information efficiently. This often presents as difficulty following directions, losing track of materials, incomplete work, or inconsistent performance. What looks like inattention is frequently a working memory capacity issue.

Working memory at a glance diagram showing sensory input, central executive, inner voice, inner eye, conscious awareness, and long-term memory interactions

What is Working Memory?Working memory is a core executive functioning skill that is responsible for the temporary holding, processing, and manipulation of information. It is an important process for reasoning and guides decision making and behavior. Working memory also enables one to remember and use relevant information to complete activities. Often described as a mental workspace, working memory helps students attend to the immediate experience, access prior knowledge, solve problems in their head, and meet current goals. The process of working memory involves the conscious awareness of sensory input, while simultaneously pulling relevant knowledge from long term memory and mentally manipulating all this information with one’s inner voice and inner visualizations (See image below).

Working memory is the brain’s “mental workspace”—the system we use to temporarily hold, process, and manipulate information. It allows us to remember instructions long enough to follow them, solve problems in real time, stay focused on a task, and make connections while learning. Unlike long-term memory (which stores information for future use), working memory helps us actively think in the moment.

For example, students use working memory when they:

listen to a teacher’s directions and carry them out
solve multi-step math problems without losing their place
sound out words while remembering the beginning of a sentence
hold a thought while raising their hand to contribute to a discussion

When working memory is strong, students can learn efficiently, stay organized in their thinking, and participate with confidence. When it’s weak or overloaded, information slips away before it can be used—leading to forgetfulness, difficulty staying on task, slow work pace, and frustration.

The good news is that working memory isn’t fixed. Just like a muscle, it can be strengthened through intentional practice—and mindfulness is one powerful way to support and grow this essential skill.

Working memory fun facts infographic explaining attention, short duration, limited capacity, and its role in learning success

How Does a Weak Working Memory Impact Learning?

Working memory difficulties affect:

Reading comprehension
Mental math
Understanding social interactions
Completing homework
Planning and preparing for activities
Solving multi-step directions
Writing essays and reports
Following a conversation
Test preparation
Turning in homework
Following and participating in group discussions

Working memory workshop with Dr. Erica Warren, featuring a child and colorful brain imagery representing cognitive processes and executive functioning skills

What are Some Key Symptoms of Working Memory Difficulties?

Troubles comprehending a story or directions
Difficulties memorizing facts
Problems making and keeping friends
Difficulties with self-initiating or starting homework
Forgets needed materials at home and at school
Fails to complete work
Struggles with organizing ideas when writing
Makes irrelevant comments and often tries to change the topic of discussion
Difficulties maintaining focus
Misplaces things like pencils, notebooks, and agendas
Leaves assignments and test preparation to the last minute.

So What Can We Do to Nurture a Mindful Classroom Environment?

Practice mindfulness in your own life, so you can demonstrate this approach and set an example for your students.
Define and discuss mindfulness with your students.

Ready-made Materials (Click below to learn more):

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.