Bringing balance and mindfulness to schools: A transformative Yoga Course for teachers and school staff

Have you ever thought that even a few mindful breaths during a hectic school day can help restore calm, improve focus, and ease stress? Incorporating yoga into the classroom isn’t limited to physical poses—it’s a holistic approach to nurturing mental and emotional well-being. With its combination of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, yoga offers teachers and students valuable tools to support balance, clarity, and resilience in an increasingly fast-paced world.
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The latest edition of the course “Yoga for teachers and school staff: Enhancing Well-being in the classroom” was held in Bologna from 11/05/2025 to 17/05/2025. Educators from across Europe came together to explore how yoga can be implemented as a valuable practice in their professional and personal lives. The participants included Andreas Büchel from Erasmus+/ Gymnasium Ohmoor in Germany, Sonja Schlegel from Rumold-Realschule Kernen again in Germany; Carla Mendonça, Carla Silva, Célia Cruz and Paulo Barata from Agrupamento de Escolas de Proença a Nova in Portugal.

They started the course with introductory activities designed to foster openness and connection among the group. After the trainer told them about her own path to yoga, participants shared what yoga means for them, and exchanged their expectations about the course. Then they began to explore foundational yoga practices, including basic breathing techniques and gentle movement. The first day also introduced strategies for weaving short yoga moments into the daily school routine — simple yet effective rituals to promote calmness and focus firstly in their own body, and then in their students’ bodies.

On the second thay, the focus shifted to understanding stress, its sources, and how it manifests in both the body and mind. Participants were introduced to various stress management techniques and discussed how to apply them in their professional routines. A central part of the day involved exploring the relationship between emotions, thoughts, and mindset, particularly the shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. The concept of the circle of control sparked meaningful discussions on how teachers can prioritize what they can influence and let go of what they cannot. These reflective sessions were supported by guided yoga asana practices designed to cultivate emotional balance, resilience, and self-awareness.

Midweek sessions emphasized the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and maintaining emotional balance. Participants practiced activities aimed at improving physical and mental balance and discussed how concepts like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) affect both teachers and students. Yoga practice continued to be an integral part of the day, supporting the themes explored in the theoretical sessions.
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On Thursday, the focus turned to mindfulness. Through individual and group activities, participants explored how to integrate mindfulness practices into their professional routines. Topics included emotional regulation, setting healthy boundaries, and the role of positive communication in educational settings. Asana sessions supported these discussions by providing a physical space to embody stillness, awareness, and presence.

The final day was dedicated to putting theory into practice. Participants designed their own yoga and mindfulness routines tailored to their classroom needs. These personalized sequences incorporated breathwork, movement, and reflective elements aimed at supporting both students’ and teachers’ well-being. Group presentations and feedback sessions allowed participants to exchange insights, followed by a closing reflection and a collaborative activity to co-create short classroom rituals. The course ended with a certificate ceremony and a heartfelt farewell.

By the end of the week, participants had not only gained a deeper understanding of yoga and mindfulness practices, but also developed practical strategies to apply these tools in educational settings. The course offered a meaningful balance of self-care, reflection, and professional growth — equipping educators with simple, sustainable methods to promote mental and emotional well-being in their schools.
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