Yoga in the School Environment
Yoga in the school environment can bring immense benefits to students, teachers and support staff. Children are in a learning environment and are being taught to grow and extend themselves in every aspect of their being - physically, mentally, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. It is a situation where they are constantly “on the go” and are encouraged to perform, improve, excel and compete. Yoga can complement and indeed improve children’s ability to capitalise on their schooling situation because it also teaches them how to slow down and conserve energy - to have a break from competitiveness - to accept themselves and be still.
Along with the physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation can help students to build up their energy reserves and improve their immunity so they are not so susceptible to colds, flu and other debilitating illnesses. In addition, students can learn to relieve stress and improve their mental focus (concentration). Over time, this can have a positive impact on their confidence, self-esteem and happiness.
It is encouraging to see schools recognising the benefits that Yoga can offer and those who are now incorporating the practice in their classroom and extra-curricular activities.
Embodied Yoga offers school-based classes at Primary Schools (Prep to Year 3 and Years 4-6) and at Secondary Schools (Years 7-9 and Years 10-12). The benefits of learning Yoga techniques whilst at school are significant and can provide children and adults with a wonderful platform to go forward in life with greater confidence and personal skills to achieve whatever goals they choose to pursue.
Yoga Classes for Teachers and Support Staff
While we are focusing on helping students in the school environment, it is important to address the needs of teachers and support staff who are often time-poor and over extending themselves to keep up with the increasing demands. In some instances, the demands and expectations are reaching unsustainable levels which translates to increased stress levels. Some time-out to practice techniques with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation would do wonders to restore equilibrium and energy levels. It would also help to alleviate “burn out” by developing strategies to deal with the demands of school life.
It would progressive and exciting to see schools providing Yoga classes for teachers and staff so they can learn how to relax and calm the mind. A more relaxed, focused and healthy workforce can only be more beneficial to educational institutions and work environments in general. It would be beneficial to both employees and employers as the quality of work would improve with the likelihood of this having a positive impact on the budget and/or bottom line.
Yoga helps children and adults become better at whatever they do by improving their self-management skills without the need to constantly compete. If children have the benefit of learning Yoga techniques while they’re young, they can incorporate them into their daily lives, particularly when they face challenging situations. Also, it can help prevent some of the negative side-effects caused by the stresses of modern life. Prevention is always better than cure.
Jenny Sherlock
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