Stress is at an all-time high in America.
The American Psychological Association reports that chronic stress - the kind of stress that interferes with your ability to function in normal day-to-day activities – is fast becoming a public health crisis.
What’s worrisome are reports that this stress epidemic appears to be increasing in its intensity with each new generation and it is taking a toll on children. Almost a third of young people between the ages of 8-17 are reported to have experienced stress related health symptoms in the last month.
The school environment is a hotbed for all things stress related.
Add the stress related to the typical demands of school with a changing body, peer pressure, social media and everything else life has to offer, and the odds are really stacked against a student’s ability to focus on their work.
Let’s not forget that the teachers and administrators have the stress coming from all directions. They’re trying to do more with less, they’re subject to multiple directives for compliance and accountability, their students are stressed, and parents are stressed.
Promoting the power of mindfulness.
Integrating mindfulness, breathing and movement practices into the school environment is proving to be a successful antidote to this ticking time-bomb.
The benefits include:
- - Reduces stress and anxiety
- - Improves memory and attention span
- - Encourages self-love
- - Promotes peace of mind
- - Improves self-control
- - Reduces violence
- - Enhances coping skills
- - Boost immunity and improves physical health
- - Improves the quality of sleep
- - Increases self-confidence and self-esteem