Yoga in schools

If you were to go into the gym at any number of primary schools in the UK you may see children lying on their backs, cuddling a soft toy on their tummy, making a soft ‘shhhh’ noise while breathing in and out. You can just as easily find classrooms full of children sticking their tongues out and making silly faces while loudly exhaling before knuckling down to a complicated set of fractions.
Both practices are becoming increasingly common as part of the school day as more schools introduce yoga and mindfulness classes either as part of the PE curriculum or as an optional lunchtime or afterschool club, positioning them as a nurturing and fun way for children to develop body awareness and learn tools to keep them calm, present and happy.
After doing 10 weeks of classroom yoga, a University of Massachusetts study published in 2014 showed overall improvements in primary school aged children’s social interactions with classmates, attention span, academic performance, ability to deal with stress and anxiety as well as boosting their confidence, self-esteem and overall mood. In a similar 2016 study in southern Brazil, the children themselves were the greatest advocates for the practice.
Here are just some of the recognized benefits of yoga for children (and adults):
Body:
- Encourages midline crossing motions; motor development on both sides of the body and develops a strong and flexible body
- Increases balance, body awareness and coordination
- improves posture and alignment and develops core strength all of which are essential for good posture and correct physical alignment
- Reduces injuries and improves performance
- Improves digestion, circulation and elimination and helps strengthen the immune system
- Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep
Mind:
- Calms and clears the mind, bringing us into the present moment and relieves tension and stress
- Increases concentration, focus and attention span and promotes thinking and memory and stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness
- Expands imagination and creativity
- Reduces stress and anxiety and improves ability to be less reactive and making them more mindful of thoughts, words and actions
- Balances energy (high or low)
Spirit:
- Builds confidence and self-esteem and supports character development and emotional intelligence
- Enhances team skills and social interaction and develops discipline and self-control
- Supports individuality and self-expression
- Encourages social and environmental awareness and responsibility
Overall:
- Improves mind/body connection and encourages a fit and healthy lifestyle
- Promotes an overall sense of well-being and boosts their self-confidence
- A child who learns yoga, mindfulness and relaxation will be developing essential skills for a lifetime of health and wellness in mind, body and spirit.