It is now, sadly, a scientific fact that social media affects children’s (as well as adults’) ability to concentrate, through the constant mental distraction in the form of messages and notifications. Focus is like a muscle (ie the more we train it, the stronger it gets), and yoga specifically trains us to focus better. An increased ability to concentrate and remain focused not only improves listening in class but also means that teenagers can study more efficiently, which will give them an edge in today’s distracted world.
As well as teaching us how to breathe properly, yoga teaches the profound power of breath to calm the mind. Experiencing how awareness and control of their breath can positively affect their mood and the way they react to stressful situations encourages students to develop coping techniques to deal with stress. This strengthens their ability to self-regulate, which is a life-changing and life-enabling process for all children (and adults). Managing our nervous system through our breath, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, leads to an increased feeling of wellbeing and better mental and physical health, not to mention a stronger immune system (ie less sick days!).
To build good-quality bones, consistent and weight-bearing physical exercise is key. Through the yoga postures, the children gain many of the benefits of sport and exercise: increased strength, flexibility and stamina. At the same time, yoga helps build awareness of the need to move and stretch to support good health.
As the body grows in puberty, the centre of gravity also changes and this can result in challenges to spatial awareness, ie clumsiness. Yoga is a fantastic tool to help students navigate these changes and build self-awareness. Balance postures and games are a great way to naturally build focus and attention, creating stillness and inner calm. This in turn helps to build positive body feelings and raise self-esteem.
Meditation and relaxation are key to allowing us to connect with our internal world and to acknowledge and release stored emotions. This is often the most important part of the class for some students. Learning these techniques is a lifelong gift to encourage emotional stability and a healthy, positive mind.
Introducing yoga philosophy into classes builds a sense of community through shared experience and through nurturing feelings of compassion, kindness, peace, acceptance, gratitude and non-judgment. Partner work and open discussions in a circle provide a safe space to connect and to grow understanding of others as well as self-acceptance, thus building a positive, supporting community.