WHY YOUR TEENAGERS NEED YOGA NOW

Research shows that 75% of young people feel their mental health has deteriorated as a result of the pandemic, and 65% of parents feel that mental wellbeing of their children is more important than academic attainment.

How has the pandemic affected teenage wellbeing?

• Research shows that since the start of this global pandemic, 75% of young people feel their mental health has deteriorated due to the perceived threat of the virus, changes to schooling and social isolation. This has led to increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

• 65% of parents say they believe that the wellbeing of their children is more important than their academic attainment

• Increased time indoors on screens has reduced physical and mental wellbeing.

• Lack of sporting activity has led to tightness in joints and muscles, increased weight gain and reduced physical agility.

• Teenagers are disproportionately affected by isolation as their usual support networks and communities are so important to them at this key developmental stage of life.

What benefit does yoga provide?

There has never been a more important time to embrace yoga as a route to improving young people’s wellbeing. For teenagers, yoga can deliver significant benefits:

• It reduces stress and anxiety. Yoga increases the production of positive neurotransmitters and endorphins which decrease cortisone, the stress hormone.

• Yoga helps with focus and self-control by developing the pre-frontal cortex of the brain. This development helps teenagers to regulate decision-making, emotions and impulsive behaviour.

• Promote self-awareness and self-care through the synchronisation of the breath with movement.

• Yoga develops strength, flexibility, and posture and is a fantastic complement to sports training programmes.

• Yogic breathing lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces the ‘fight or flight’ response typically engaged in adolescents, which in turn promotes a sense of relaxation.

• Yoga is proven to improve sleep quality.

• Practising yoga is energising and rewarding.

An holistic and fun approach

Being a mum to three daughters, and with 20 years experience teaching in schools, I am aware of teenagers’ needs and the positive effects yoga and movement can have on their lives. To fully engage students, my classes have a fun, creative and playful element. My practice draws on specialist training completed alongside neuroscientists, anatomists and psychologists, focusing on adolescent development. I ensure classes are planned to meet students' needs and not just a simplified version of an adult class.

Energising & Restorative Classes

A typical class involves;

• Full body warm up, breath awareness

• Core strength work, flowing sequences and fun balances

• Creative tasks empowering students to develop their own self practice

• Seated stretches and a full body relaxation

• A yogic sleep with reflective mindfulness and gentle meditation to finish

• Each class is set to chilled, ambient music.

What students have to say

Charlotte, 13 'The teen yoga classes are fun and challenging. I play lots of sport and the yoga helps my flexibility, but it also gives me something different. I feel calm and zen!’

Tamsin, 12 ‘I am sleeping much better since I started yoga with Jane. All the stretching and breathing helps me relax.....it’s an escape from home schooling’

Tilly, 16 ‘A yoga class with Jane during lockdown has made me feel really good, my mind feels relaxed and calm. I’m more focused and able to concentrate’

Molly,13 ‘I look forward to Jane’s classes each week. It’s a chance to really switch off from school pressure, making me feel calmer and able to cope. I am definitely sleeping much better.”

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Teen Yoga classes are currently held on Zoom on Tuesdays 18.15-19.15.

To book visit www.yogamovedance.com/bookings