By: Najmeh Rashedi , founder of Hello Yoga Academy
Summary:
The Impact of Hello Yoga Academy’s Yoga and Mindfulness Programs on StudentsIn the 2023-2024 academic year, Hello Yoga Academy embarked on a significant study to evaluate the effects of yoga and mindfulness programs on young learners. This study targeted primary school and kindergarten students in Izmir, Turkey, with an online component for students in Iran. The aim was to tackle common childhood issues such as concentration problems, anger, ADD/ADHD, stress, anxiety, and depression.
The program was conducted over two semesters, each lasting 8 weeks. Sessions were held twice a week in the first semester and once a week in the second semester, with each session lasting 30 minutes. The program included themed yoga sessions, interactive yoga games, and breathing practices. The interventions featured various asanas like Eagle, Tree Pose, Fish, Crocodile, Tortoise, and Child’s Pose, complemented by breathing techniques such as Kapalbhati and Anuloma Viloma.
The results were promising. Students showed a 70% improvement in concentration, an 80% reduction in aggressive behavior, a 60% improvement in ADD/ADHD symptoms, and a 65% reduction in stress and anxiety levels for in-person participants. The online program also saw notable benefits, though slightly less pronounced. Feedback from teachers and parents was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting increased engagement, better emotional regulation, and a more positive classroom atmosphere.
This study underscores the profound benefits of integrating yoga and mindfulness into educational settings, providing a holistic approach to enhance children’s well-being and learning environments.
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