Yes there is a lot to this mindfulness stuff. It's actually something that teachers in Canada are increasingly incorporating into the curriculum. There's an extensive program called "Mind Up" developed by the actress Goldie Hawn of all people.
VERY premilnary studies have shown a positive correlation between students who mindfully breath 3 times a school day and academic achievement.
I personally try teaching it to my students as many of them come from homes where they have had traumtic experiences, and as a result are often stressed easily.