Yoga to enhance well-being in the classroom

Did you know that incorporating yoga into daily routines can significantly enhance overall well-being and reduce stress? Imagine starting each day with a sense of calm and balance—something that yoga can help achieve! Whether it’s a deep breath, a gentle stretch, or a moment of mindfulness, yoga has the power to transform not just individual lives but also the entire educational environment.
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The latest edition of the course “Yoga for teachers and school staff: Enhancing Well-being in the classroom” took place in Palermo from 06/04/2025 to 12/04/2025. Participants from various educational settings across Europe came together to explore how yoga can positively impact their teaching and school environment. The group of participants included Julia from Varalan Urheiluopisto and Juhani from ETO/Omnia in Finland, Simone from Leibniz Gymnasium Altdorf in Germany, Elisabeth, Kerstin, Viktoria and Lena from Komvux Norrköping, Källvindsskolan and Lena from Saltsjöbadens Samskola in Sweden. 

Participants started the course engaging in interactive ice-breakers designed to foster a sense of community and openness. They also had the opportunity to enjoy the introduction to yoga philosophy and terminology, offering participants a foundation in the principles that underpin this ancient practice. We delved into the scientific evidence supporting mind-body interventions in education, exploring how these practices can foster a more harmonious and productive learning environment.

The course featured a range of practical sessions designed to integrate yoga into everyday school life. Each day began with a morning yoga session and meditation, followed by journaling exercises where participants reflected on their intentions and experiences, setting a positive tone for the day.
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As the course progressed, participants reflected on how yoga can support the development of emotional intelligence and stress management. We delved into techniques for cultivating emotional balance, such as strategies for managing anger and fostering happiness, and engaged in yoga practices designed to build trust and strengthen team dynamics in the classroom. Breathing exercises (Pranayama) were introduced as powerful tools to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, participants were able to personally experience the transformative impact of mindful breathing on their overall well-being.

One of the highlights of the course was an outdoor yoga session, since they went to a park full of nature in Palermo. Participants engaged in mindfulness exercises that connected them with the natural environment, further deepening their understanding of yoga’s role in fostering a calm and centered presence.

To wrap up the week, participants reflected on the insights and routines they had developed, and we explored the wider benefits of bringing yoga into educational environments. This was followed by a hands-on session where they created personalized yoga routines for classroom use, providing practical strategies to boost focus, foster trust, and ease stress for both students and staff.
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By the end of the week, participants were not only equipped with practical tools for their classrooms but also inspired to cultivate a more mindful and balanced approach to their professional and personal lives. The practice of yoga has the potential to bring about lasting changes, creating an environment where teachers, students, and staff can thrive together.

​Discover more about this course here!