Why It Matters
Yoga and breathwork have become common elements of wellness routines that improve physical and mental health. The benefits can be especially helpful for children navigating the pressures and challenges of school by improving their sense of overall wellbeing, self confidence, and academic performance.
These practices give children the tools to manage stress and anxiety, sharpen their focus, and build a positive self image that carries into how they see themselves at school.
What The Research Shows
A UCLA study involving 99 fifth grade students found that the group that participated in a 12 week yoga program had better social skills, lower levels of anxiety and stress, and improved academic performance over the control group that only did regular physical education classes. Another six week study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics found that a yoga program improved attention and focus while reducing behavioral problems, stress, and anxiety among children ages 8 to 13. A third study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy found that a 10 week yoga and breathwork program improved self esteem and self confidence while reducing anxiety and depression levels among children ages 10 to 12.
Teaching Kids Yoga Takes A Different Approach
We start with simple poses, encourage exploration rather than perfection, and make it fun. We build one layer of instruction at a time and repeat techniques often enough that kids can anchor them to the emotional experiences they encounter every day.