Yoga for Student Stress & Anxiety

How about inserting Yoga into your school curriculum? Researchers from Boston’s Brigham and Woman’s Hospital studied high school juniors and seniors who were given yoga class or regular PE classes for a period of ten weeks. Psychological testing showed that the students taking the yoga classes did better in mental health. “Mood problems, anxiety and negative emotions stayed the same or improved among yoga students, but grew worse among those taking regular PE.”  Although not a research study, Celeste Bunting, Head of Lower School at Worcester Prep in Maryland, offers yoga classes to preschool students, because she believes that the sessions help with the mind/body connection, coordination, and focus. Those interested in offering yoga in their schools should look for routines that are appropriate for the targeted age group since the moves introduced must be safe for the students involved. Lead researcher in the Boston study, Jessica Noggle, Ph. D., says, “Yoga may serve a preventive role in adolescent mental health.” —And perhaps it may help students of all ages.