Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom
In recent times I have had discussions with parents regarding the emotional and mental stressors associated with the Secondary Entrance Assessment examination . For the most part parents were pained at seeing their pre - teen experience stress that we don't generally associate with the childhood journey. The use of the statement " It will be over soon" though true does not address the emotional and physical memory of stress that can accumulate in the body. How can we take a preventative approach by offering children the skills not to simply cope but to thrive.
Yoga and Mindfulness practices are one of the tools that can help children navigate their internal compass in a way that supports well being and prepares the mind for learning and writing exams.
Firstly let's have a look at some of the factors that create an external and internal atmosphere of anxiety. One of the main factors is the feeling of being in a battle field.
What would a mind in such a state look like ?
The image on the left reflects what anxiety and fear would look metaphorically speaking . Imagine trying to do your best with a mind that resembles this image coupled with physical manifestations of stress in your body.Through Mindfulness , these states can be managed and help students to calm their bodies and minds resulting in clarity of mind and focus as in the image on the right. Educators call this setting students up for success. We often do this my ensuring the external environment supports the learning journey. Yoga and Mindfulness however is a path to ensure that the internal environment supports the child so that they can learn and flourish. It is the valuing of the well being of the whole child.
Yoga and Mindfulness practices are one of the tools that can help children navigate their internal compass in a way that supports well being and prepares the mind for learning and writing exams.
Firstly let's have a look at some of the factors that create an external and internal atmosphere of anxiety. One of the main factors is the feeling of being in a battle field.
It's a Jungle Out There
The messaging of survival mode aka " survival of the fittest or brightest" is a very loud and pervasive message in the air as children begin preparing for S.E.A. In a sense the scene that is set is reminiscent of our ancestors who had to fight for their right to survive. Students in preparing for exams imagine a luminous threat that feels more like an angry ocean than a calm sea. Switching into a Flight or Fight Mode in response to tests , exams and related pressures can manifest as stress in the physical body .
A hormonal response is triggered in Fight or Flight modes , releasing cortisol and adrenaline . Increased heart rate or feeling of pain in the chest can occur. Even feelings of naseau and stomach pains . Headaches and blurry vision are also symptoms that can arise.
What are some of the causes of these symptoms ? There are situational and mental causes associated increasing levels of anxiety amoungst children.
What are some of the causes of these symptoms ? There are situational and mental causes associated increasing levels of anxiety amoungst children.
SITUATIONAL CAUSES
MENTAL CAUSES
- The pressure of timed tests
- Poor Study Skills
- Lack of Preparation
- Previous poor test peformance
- Fear of poor grades
- Fear of letting down parents and teachers
- Emphasis placed on a Single Exam as a Success Factor
- Using results as a reflection of self worth
- Negative self-talk
What would a mind in such a state look like ?
The image on the left reflects what anxiety and fear would look metaphorically speaking . Imagine trying to do your best with a mind that resembles this image coupled with physical manifestations of stress in your body.Through Mindfulness , these states can be managed and help students to calm their bodies and minds resulting in clarity of mind and focus as in the image on the right. Educators call this setting students up for success. We often do this my ensuring the external environment supports the learning journey. Yoga and Mindfulness however is a path to ensure that the internal environment supports the child so that they can learn and flourish. It is the valuing of the well being of the whole child.
Here's a simple breath awareness practice you can implement as an educator .
- Close your eyes
- Take a few deep breaths in through the nose and sigh out through the mouth
- Observe your breath going in at the nose and out of the nose. Breathe in count one. Breathe out count one.
- Count ten breaths in and out.
- Open your eyes and notice how you feel.
Practice this for 21 days with your students or children.
Additional Breath Practice includes Breath Affirmation or Statements .
Breathing in I calm my body. Breathing out I calm my mind
Practice for 1 , 3 or 5 minutes
Breathing in I calm my body. Breathing out I calm my mind
Practice for 1 , 3 or 5 minutes
If you are interested in an at school Yoga and Mindfulness Programme , Bloom Yoga offers a 8 or 10 week Yoga and Mindfulness Curriculum designed to support students, in fostering whole being awareness.
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Dionysia Browne
Owner Bloom Yoga
Zenergy Foundation and Advanced Certified
bloomyogatrinidad@gmail.com
1868-4875686
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