Book review Mindfulness for Study: From Procrastination to Action by Karisa Krcmar and Tina Horsman

Our friends Karisa Krcmar and Tina Horsman from Loughborough University have written this timely and engaging book: Mindfulness for Study: From Procrastination to Action, arising from their own extensive experience in running mindfulness workshops for students.  You can buy a copy in either print format or as an ebook here: https://www.inspiredbylearning.eu/book/9

This absorbing and accessible book provides an in-depth introduction to mindfulness for study, with specialist chapters on areas including ‘Mindfulness: Reading for Successful Study’ and ‘Mindful Use of the Internet’.

The authors use an engaging travel metaphor throughout: working through the content is presented as a learning journey, and ‘Your ticket to the next chapter’ provides a helpful synopsis of both the chapter just completed and the one to follow.  Feedback from students who have already taken the journey is dotted through the book in the form of ‘Postcards’ and meditation exercises are presented as ‘Stop Off Points’ for travellers.

Applying mindfulness principles within a study context gives this book an innovative slant: it is primarily aimed at students, but would also be highly useful for academic and support staff who may wish to explore mindfulness in relation to their own development, or use some of the techniques with their students.

The writing style is clear and free of jargon, with an engaging, friendly tone and punchy, short sentences.  Complex terms and references are clearly explained and are fluidly combined within the highly readable text.  Page layouts contain a good mix of textual and visual content: the main text is nicely broken up by relevant visuals and text boxes signposting useful tips, charts to fill in and pauses for mindfulness practice.

This book has a very ‘hands-on’ feel: there are lots of exercises to try, from mindfully planning your calendar to dealing with difficult emotions.  All are clearly explained, using helpful acronyms and images.  The writers are realistic about likely distractions to study, and offer lots if ideas on how to manage these, with particular reference to the diversions caused by social media.

There is a useful website to enhance this publication: https://www.inspiredbylearning.eu/mindfulness-for-study containing audio files of mindfulness exercises referred to in the book as well as practical templates that you can print out to support both your studies and your mindfulness practice.

As you work through the book there is an emphasis on getting to know yourself as a learner, and reflecting on ways that you may prefer to learn.  This is useful for all, but may be of particular use to those with specific learning differences.  You can dip into the book to find information on a particular technique or a mindful approach to a specific type of study, alternatively you can work steadily through the journey, building on your self-knowledge and experience of mindfulness as you go.

Either way, this is a thought-provoking read, and one that offers new routes into mindful practice, not only for study, but for life.

Julia