YOGA’- Necessity in School

*Definition of Yoga :

The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root yuj,
which means "to join" or "to yoke".

Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion. Yoga is an ancient art based on a harmonizing system of development for the body, mind, and spirit. The continued practice of yoga will lead you to a sense of peace and well-being, and also a feeling of being at one with their environment. This is a simple definition.

The practice of yoga makes the body strong and flexible, it also improves the functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and hormonal systems. Yoga brings about emotional stability and clarity of mind.

In the practice of Yoga the ultimate aim is one of
self-development and self-realization.

Benefits of Yoga in Schools

Benefits of Yoga for Children

Body:

•       Assists neuromuscular-development

•       Promotes development of the vestibular system

•       Encourages midline crossing motions; motor development on both sides of the body

•       Develops a strong and flexible body

•       Increases balance, body awareness and coordination

•       Improves posture and alignment

•       Develops core strength, essential for good posture and correct physical alignment

•        Reduces injuries and improves performance

•       Improves digestion, circulation and elimination

•       Strengthens the immune system

•        Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep

Mind:

•       Calms and clears the mind, bringing us into the present moment

•       Relieves tension and stress

•       Increases concentration, focus and attention span

•       Promotes thinking and memory

•       Stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness

•       Expands imagination and creativity

•       Reduces stress and anxiety

•       Improves ability to be less reactive; more mindful of thoughts, words and actions

•       Balances energy (high or low)

Benefits of Yoga in the School Setting

Anti-bullying, health and wellness, and character education are common themes in American schools today, all focusing on educating the whole child, mind, body and spirit. Yoga, by nature, supports this learning’s

The following are some of the benefits of yoga to support the education of the whole child, thus maximizing the learning process:

•       Provides students healthy ways to express and balance their emotions

•       Promotes a more relaxed, comfortable state of being - the perfect state for teaching and learning

•       Brings students into the present moment – the most basic requirement for learning

•       Encourages community and connectedness within the classroom

•       Helps to create an atmosphere of confidence, enthusiasm and non-competitiveness where everyone can succeed

•       Provides opportunities for beneficial motor breaks throughout the day

•       Eases anxiety and tension (such as pre-test or performance jitters)

•       Enhances focus, concentration, comprehension and memory

•       Provides opportunities for reflection, patience and insight, reducing impulsivity and reactivity

•       Supports social and emotional learning

•       Improves listening skills

•       Wakes up sluggish minds and creativity as needed