All it takes is 10 mindful minutes | Andy Puddicombe | TED

TED

In this engaging and accessible talk, mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe demystifies meditation and makes a compelling case for taking just ten minutes a day to look after our minds. He argues that we spend more time maintaining our cars, clothes, and physical appearance than we do caring for our most valuable resource: the human mind. Through personal anecdotes about his journey from a stressed university student to a Buddhist monk, Puddicombe illustrates how constant distraction and lack of presence contribute to unhappiness and anxiety. The video explores key themes of mental health, metacognition (thinking about thinking), and the science of focus. Puddicombe challenges the common misconception that meditation is about stopping thoughts completely; instead, he defines it as the practice of stepping back and witnessing thoughts without judgment. He uses a brilliant juggling demonstration to visually represent different mental states—anxious, dull, and balanced—making abstract psychological concepts concrete and understandable for viewers. For educators, this video is an invaluable resource for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and mental health awareness. It provides a secular, scientific entry point into mindfulness that avoids religious overtones, making it suitable for public school settings. Teachers can use this video to launch discussions about stress management, the impact of digital distractions, and the importance of being present, while also introducing practical techniques for emotional regulation that students can apply immediately in their daily lives.