The Impact of Yoga on Children’s Well-being
Yoga is known for its mental and physical benefits, and emerging research confirms these benefits extend to children as well. With increasing interest in integrating yoga into educational settings, it’s essential to explore how this practice can impact young learners.
Evidence from Research and Case Studies
The integration of yoga into school curricula is gaining traction. Some school districts have already incorporated yoga or meditation into their daily routines, with promising results. Research indicates that yoga in the classroom offers measurable benefits for students’ behavior and overall well-being, particularly for those lacking emotional or psychological support at home.
For instance, a study conducted by researchers at Harvard and Yale explored a program called Yoga 4 Classrooms. This intervention involves breathing exercises, physical postures, meditation techniques, and relaxation. The study measured the children’s cortisol levels before and after the yoga sessions, along with teacher assessments of their behavior and social-emotional skills. Second and third graders participated in 30-minute yoga sessions once a week for 10 weeks.
Findings revealed that the average cortisol levels in both grades decreased in response to attention tasks after the yoga intervention. Notably, second graders showed significant improvements in behavior, while third graders exhibited more modest gains. The baseline cortisol levels of second graders also declined over the ten weeks, although third graders showed no change. Further research is needed to understand whether this age difference reflects a true developmental effect or other factors.
Additional studies have highlighted other advantages of classroom yoga, such as enhanced self-regulation, attention, working memory, and academic performance. While the physical benefits are notable, the mental and emotional advantages are equally significant. Teaching these skills in schools can profoundly impact students’ lives, regardless of their backgrounds or family support levels.
Lisa Flynn, founder of Yoga 4 Classrooms, emphasizes the broader impact: “Emotionally and physically healthy children who feel safe, supported, and connected are happier and more successful both in and out of school. A growing body of evidence shows that yoga in schools supports the development of social, emotional, and physical well-being, fostering a positive, compassionate school climate essential for effective teaching and learning.”
As children become more centered and attentive, academic improvements may follow. Schools might initially be drawn to yoga for its potential academic benefits, but the full range of positive effects will also be realized. Flynn notes, “With social-emotional changes in place, we begin to see improvements in academic achievement and a decrease in behavior referrals. These benefits may particularly interest school administrators exploring yoga integration.”
More schools nationwide are experimenting with yoga and mindfulness in their curricula. Ideally, students will carry these practices into their home lives, influencing their interactions and personal growth. Even subtle changes in how students engage with their families and handle personal challenges would be a valuable outcome of introducing yoga in schools.
Discover how integrating yoga into your school or home routine can transform well-being. For more information on implementing yoga practices, visit our Yoga for Schools page.
Alice G. Walton, PhD is a health and science writer who began practicing (and falling in love with) yoga and meditation five years ago. She is a contributor at Forbes.com, and writes for the University of Chicago, as well as other publications. Of all the areas of health she covers, she’s particularly interested in how yoga and meditation affect the brain and behavior. You can follow her on Twitter @AliceWalton and Facebook at Facebook.com/alicegwalton.