A Personal Story of Yoga in Schools

After practicing yoga for almost 20 years, and now training and certifying yoga teachers Denise Druce is completely sold on the benefits of yoga, for all people but especially children. The research shows that yoga allows kids to move their bodies mindfully, focus on their breath, slow down, become present and focused, and come back to learning with a more quiet mind and body. There are mountains of evidence that this directly affects the bottom line…academic performance. It also has a measurable impact on social issues like reduction in aggression and bullying. A 2003 study by California State University, Los Angeles found that yoga improved students' behavior, physical health and academic performance, as well as attitudes toward themselves. That same year, Leipzig University reported that yoga reduces feelings of helplessness and aggression, and in the long term helps emotional balance. The benefits of yoga are particularly strong among children with special needs, research shows.