Who knew yoga was challenging?

This week, HappyBeing welcomed Year 8 students from Ringwood Secondary College to our studio as part of the schools ‘Be Active’ program. The program aims to highlight the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. Our part has been to share the health benefits of yoga encouraging relaxation and centering techniques.

Kim Watson, Wellbeing Programs Coordinator, at Ringwood Secondary College said, “Not many 14 year olds have participated in a yoga class before, and many find little time to slow down. These classes have been taught in single sex groups and I believe it has offered them the opportunity to stop, reflect and provide a nice environment for the students to be themselves and experience the well referenced benefits of yoga practice.”

The students that participated in the 50-minute yoga practice were surprised by the physical strength that yoga poses demand and they experienced first-hand the relaxation benefits.

“It was hard work and intense, but also relaxing at the end. It was not what I was expecting,” said student, Callum Donovan.

Many of the other students agreed, citing that they didn't know yoga would be a challenge.

Yoga is not only a great form of exercise, in traditional yoga, it is also a tool that can help students find space. When life events start to mount up such as: exams, peer pressure, family issues – yoga gives students an outlet to positively move through their emotions by using relaxation techniques and mindfulness to calm the mind.

HappyBeing's founder Jannin Jacob, believes there is a gap in the way we currently educate our kids today. " Today children and young adults are taught to become better thinkers and this is supported by the constant advancement in technology, however they are displaying shorter attention spans and have little self-awareness. This is the downside of continually being bombarded with external stimuli. By introducing mindfulness and relaxation through yoga, we can help students with positive strategies as they move into higher levels of education and out into the world. "

On behalf of the HappyBeing staff, we'd like to thank all of the students that have come into our studio this week. You have been a delight and wish you every success in your journey ahead.

Namaste xx

Click here if you'd like to read the full press release regarding this program.