http://goop.com/why-yoga-is-changing-schools
Recently, several articles have been written about the profound impact of mindfulness in educational settings. One article in particular that resonated with me examined the prevalence of mental health challenges in an adolescent educational setting. As a high school teacher, I am sensitive to the inherent challenges of being a teenager. Balancing AP classes, after-school activities, preparing for college and the associated exams, formulating an identity and carving a path—it’s clear that being a teenager can be overwhelming. This article explores how the implementation of mindfulness techniques in a classroom setting can be a successful preventative measure to potential struggles with mental health. As I experienced, one of the biggest advantages of mindfulness practice is the power of emotional regulation. When we can control our emotions, we have a significant tool at our disposal, for we are then able to manage our own lives.
The article tackles mindfulness with a three-prong approach: attention, self-regulation, and physical fitness. Attention is defined as the perception of thoughts, sensations and emotions. It is akin to ”watching” these feelings arise. This is a fundamental staple of mindfulness. Children who are able to give attention to their body and inner states are said to have less obsessive thinking, which can lead to more concentration and executive functioning. Self-regulation is maintained through the practice of yoga poses such as deep breathing. Our breath can anchor us in the present when we feel unease. Teachers report that students who practice mindfulness become more resistant to stress and are less likely to perceive situations as stressful. Physical fitness, which is achieved in practicing yoga regularly, helps to release endorphins and to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Have you had any success or experience implementing attention, self-regulation and physical fitness into your classroom?
I regularly use breathing exercises prior to presentations or exams. Initially, my high school students laughed and thought the exercises were a bit too eccentric. Fortunately, laughter translates to a relaxed state of being. When the laughter subsides, they have more space to breathe.
I have also used jumping jacks to help students control anxiety. It’s a good outlet, and students who are confined to sitting all day can certainly use a release.
The International Association for School Yoga and Mindfulness has implemented several dozen mindfulness programs in our schools. Check them out here.
Do you use any practice in your classroom to help your students? What successes have you had using these practices?