New York City Mayor Eric Adams' recent proposal mandating "mindful breathing" exercises in public schools has ignited controversy. The initiative, requiring two to five minutes of daily breathing exercises for K-12 students, aims to address stress management. However, critics argue that the focus should be on improving academic performance, which has suffered post-pandemic.

Critics like Kayleigh McEnany, "Outnumbered" co-host, question the necessity of such exercises in schools, emphasizing the importance of core subjects like reading and math. While acknowledging the potential benefits of mindful breathing for some, McEnany believes it shouldn't be prioritized over academic instruction.

This initiative coincides with a recent national report revealing declining reading and math scores for 13-year-olds, reaching their lowest point in decades. Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo stresses the need for increased in-class instruction, particularly in literacy, rather than incorporating breathing exercises into the curriculum. He suggests implementing these practices during physical education instead.

The New York Post has also criticized the move, urging Mayor Adams to address the "real crisis" of chronic absenteeism in city schools, particularly within minority communities. Studies have shown a correlation between absenteeism and declining academic performance.

Conversely, some, like FOX Business host Kennedy, support the proposal, arguing that mindful breathing can improve cognitive function and reduce reactive behavior, potentially mitigating violence in schools. She views it as a potentially beneficial and cost-effective intervention.