Yoga and mindfulness for teachers 23rd March

YOGA FOR TEACHERS

Teaching is like most professions there are many pressures to cope with on a daily basis.   Not least the government standards, which continuously change and they are assessed against, also the parents and pupils needs, school standards and changing child protection legislation.   it is no longer a 9am to 3.30pm job, as some parents still think.    In the United Kingdom,  67% of teachers said that the workload was negatively affecting their physical and mental health.  So what can you do about it?

What is yoga and why do teachers need it?

What evidence is there that this actually helps with the stress levels that teachers are currently experiencing in schools?

According to a leading teaching union, 67% of teachers have said that the workload of their profession has impacted negatively on their physical and mental health. This makes well-being a priority for retaining and supporting teachers in schools and colleges. Studies have suggested that Mindfulness and Yoga can reduce teacher burnout, increase greater resilience to stress, lessen anxiety and sickness absence as well as improve relations and co-operation between colleagues. 

Yoga creates Mindful attention in teachers on how they are affected by their daily role. As a result, they notice the first sign of stress and are more likely to be involved in greater self-care. Teachers enjoy their work more and have a better work/life balance.

The practice of Yoga poses help to release tension which aids relaxation at the end of the working day.  In particular, taking part in specific balance postures, Mindfulness and conscious breathing in class can enhance attention, concentration and focus thus aiding teacher performance.  

Mindful Yoga helps teachers explore their reaction to stressful situations, especially if they cannot control the event itself or those involved. It allows them to remain calm and act on better decisions as it creates a break between thought, emotion and action. Furthermore, Mindful Yoga is a positive agent in accepting change whether this is driven by the school, college or government policy. Teachers instead see challenges rather than obstacles or problems. 

What benefits can teachers achieve through yoga: 

Like anyone else entering a yoga class, yoga can improve strength, flexibility, balance and prevention of injury due to high impact sports.    A mindful yoga practice can improve sleep and help with weight loss.

You can read more about this on the blogs on my webpage http://www.yogicfrog.com. 

Mindfulness - Teachers and Pupils

Mindfulness is a state of awareness resulting from the conscious attention of physical sensation, such as the breath. Its practice improves physical and mental well-being by making you more centred and calm. 

Pupils and Teachers need to look after their physical health, but equally their own mental health not just for academic success, but for long-term well-being. Mindfulness improves emotional resilience and regulation. Mindfulness also helps to reduce bullying which is a contributory factor in poor mental health and is an effective class management tool to improve pupil behaviour.

RERERENCES:

Many thanks to Tristessa Moore at www.yoyogasoul.co.uk/ for her invaluable experience and guidance