We know in the world today, our kids feel stressed, anxious and unable to make good decisions. At school this is exasperated with social pressure, a focus on extrinsic motivation, and staying still for long periods of time. Here are just a few of the benefits of having yoga in school:
1. Yoga Promotes Confidence and Connection 🌈
Yoga helps build confidence and foster connection inwardly, and with others. The practice is non-competitive - there is no “right” way to practice - and so it can grow an inner knowing that is deeply essential not only in a learning environment, but also outside of school walls. Yoga teaches us to accept what is - within ourselves, and in others.
2. Yoga can Contribute to Physical Well-being 🌿
Our bodies are made to move. When we have excess energy stored in our bodies, it can be hard to concentrate and may lead to feelings of anxiousness and restlessness. Yoga can help release some of this energy, by building strength, focus and flexibility in our body, mind and spirit, it creates an environment conducive to learning.
3. Yoga Teaches us how to Balance our Nervous System ⚡
Yoga helps us recognize feelings of tension, and then teaches us how to sit with, or soothe those feelings, depending on what’s needed in the moment. We learn balance, embracing both invigorating practices, and practices that promote calm. This invaluable skill of regulating our nervous system is necessary, especially in settings that can feel high pressure (like school!)
… and that’s just the beginning! The benefits of including Yoga in schools are vast. It’s our job to preserve the innate connectedness in our children and having Yoga in schools can help.