“...by creating a mind state, it can then become a mind trait....”
Yoga supports the mental health of teenagers
I have been teaching yoga to young people since 2017. Yoga gives teenagers self-understanding whilst their brain goes through a fundamental developmental stage. Contrary to the dated belief that adolescence is something to ‘get through’, adolescence is a necessary part of a human beings transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s a time when there are so many changes happening and it is a stage of life that needs to be cultivated and supported. The move to secondary school, peer pressure, negotiating social media, finding their identity, exams and puberty are interwoven with the crucial brain changes at this time.
Learning to listen to their bodies whilst practising asana (yoga postures) leads to a better understanding of what their bodies need to support their mental health. Challenging asana can feed the need for risk and attending a class supports social connection whilst nurturing empathy for others. Pranayama (breath work) can ease anxiety and reduce stress, as well as bolster emotional intelligence. Meditation and relaxation alongside visualisations, help to ground young people and aid sleep. Building confidence through the different parts of a yoga practice, supports young people to learn respect for their bodies through creative exploration.
An adolescent brain is undergoing the last phase of development as they move towards adulthood. Yoga can offer a well rounded supportive practice through pranayama, asana, relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. Being able to regulate emotions, attention span, thoughts, behaviour and build relationships is dependent on brain integration.
To learn more about this and interpersonal neurobiology I highly recommend Dr Dan Siegel’s book Brainstorm. Please click on the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/2XG0hPy
Since the Autumn term of 2019 I have taught the S6 classes in the Autumn term for an Edinburgh secondary school. The classes are designed to support these young people to rest and relax. Building a toolbox to alleviate anxiety, exam stress, worry and uncertainty, and support the sports and physical activities they partake in and teaching them the techniques for rest and relaxation. And in the same school sessions for S1 as part of their PSE curriculum.