“...by creating a mind state, it can then become a mind trait....”
Yoga supports the mental health of teenagers
I began guiding yoga classes for young people in 2017, latterly receiving referrals from CAMHS. Focusing on breathwork, mindful activities and gentle vinyasa flow sequences supports teenagers to foster 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 (breathwork) can ease anxiety and reduce stress, as well as bolster emotional intelligence. Meditation, mindfulness 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
From 2019-2023 I taught the S1 and S6 classes for Erskine Stewart Melville secondary school. The S6 classes were 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 alongside teaching them the techniques for rest and relaxation. For S1 students, classes were a component of their as part of their Personal and Social Education curriculum.