“Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate. ”
– Anonymous
As a parent, educator and yoga teacher, I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible benefits that yoga can offer children and teens—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Yoga gives young people tools for self-regulation, helping them navigate the often overwhelming world with ongoing sensory input. Whether it’s easing stress, building confidence, or developing greater body awareness, yoga creates space for calm.
Children may come to the mat looking for movement and play, but they often leave with a sense of peace and empowerment. Through yoga, they learn to listen to their bodies, observe their thoughts and build resilience.
Last year, I was fortunate to take part in a project that explored the impact of practicing yoga outdoors. This experience opened a beautiful new perspective: how yoga in nature can deepen our connection to the environment. By moving, breathing, and being still in natural spaces, children develop not only mindfulness but also a sense of environmental stewardship. They become more attuned to the rhythms of the earth and the importance of caring for the world around them.
And the journey doesn’t stop there—a new project is on the horizon for this summer! I can’t wait to share further details very soon!
Yoga for Teens, an aid for mental well-being
‘A five-week yoga programme at South Wigston High School has made a powerful difference to students’ mental wellbeing – helping girls feel calmer, sleep better and manage their emotions more effectively.
The initiative, delivered by the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) in partnership with the South Leicestershire School Sports Partnership (SLSSP), was launched in response to worrying local mental health data.
According to HealthWatch Leicestershire, 38% of female teens in the county report experiencing anxiety, with the same proportion saying they have self-harmed. To help tackle this growing crisis, a group of girls in Years 7 to 9 were invited to take part in weekly yoga sessions designed to support emotional wellbeing and build resilience.
Through gentle movement and breathing exercises led by Desford-based BWY teacher, Lucy Pearce, the participants learned practical techniques for managing stress – and the results were striking.
Average stress levels among participants dropped from 3.56 to 2.38 on a five-point scale, while mood scores improved from 3.44 to 2.50. Energy levels saw a notable increase from 3.22 to 3.88 with students also reporting better sleep, improved concentration and feeling more in control of their emotions.
Sara Fletcher, Principal at South Wigston High School said: “The impact of this yoga programme has been transformative for students. We’ve seen increased engagement in lessons, and students telling us they feel calmer and more focused. This complements our wellbeing strategy and provides practical tools our young people can use throughout their lives.”
Peter Tydlesley, CEO of the BWY, said: “These results speak for themselves. In just five weeks, we’ve seen clear improvements in the students’ ability to manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing. This reflects the real, practical value of yoga as a tool for emotional resilience – something every school should consider offering.”
Following this success, BWY and SLSSP are now exploring opportunities to expand the programme to other Leicestershire schools, potentially offering vital support to hundreds more young people across the county.’
The original article can be found here – https://www.bwy.org.uk/yoga-boosts-mental-wellbeing-in-leicester-school/?vgo_ee=Wz8N%2BrB2bfJ3RGVLsf4esTpqt7j6n2wGAmHazjEUulxC6gvzAHRF%3A%2F3yW0daUpQfcseJ%2FwuH8SwvLNWbS%2BuBy
Outdoor Yoga, finding connection and improving well-being
The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) has partnered with the Learn Academies Trust in Leicestershire to introduce outdoor yoga sessions at South Kilworth and Meadowdale Primary schools. This Green Yoga initiative aims to strengthen connections with nature and improve wellbeing.
A recent study from the University of Southampton and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) highlights concerns over rising obesity rates among primary school children with one in four now classified as obese. It emphasises the need for healthier lifestyle choices.
The Green Yoga initiative combines physical activity with an immersion in nature, with children practicing yoga in areas newly planted with trees. Yoga is well-known to improve mood and boost wellbeing and it also requires minimal outdoor space compared to other sports.
“Through this partnership, we aim to pioneer a sustainable approach that promotes healthier lifestyles and environmental awareness among young learners,” said Diana O’Reilly, BWY Chair. “By nurturing a connection with nature through yoga practice, this initiative empowers children with lifelong skills to support both environmental stewardship and their own mental wellbeing.”
Liz Martin, Head Teacher at Meadowdale Primary School said, “We are fortunate to have lots of outside space which our children can use and engage with every day, and as such we were thrilled to welcome the BWY to lead a workshop. The children have loved learning about a new activity and how it links to nurturing their mind, body and the trees we planted earlier in the year. They have loved being outdoors and exercising in a calm and thoughtful way, enjoying the whole experience from start to finish.”
“We’d love to have this yoga lesson again. Maybe every Friday afternoon or definitely after we have finished our SATs next year.” Year 5 pupil, South Kilworth Primary School
Read the original article here – https://www.bwy.org.uk/bwy-launches-green-yoga-initiative-at-leicestershire-schools/
Calm Collective 