Yoga and meditation are powerful tools to calm your mind, especially for students. However, very few learners practice it primarily due to lack of encouragement and awareness. This is where you, as an educator, can support them. Understanding the real benefits of yoga and meditation will equip you with the necessary tools to support your students’ well-being.
Between assignments, exams, social pressures, and extracurriculars, we all can probably agree that students are more mentally strained than before. As mentors and educators, we’re not only responsible for a student’s academic growth but also for nurturing their emotional resilience. That’s where tools like yoga and meditation come into play.
Cold Facts About Mental Health that Very Few Know About
Studies across the world show that up to 50% of students are experiencing stress and are on the verge of a burnout. In many cases, mental health is getting even more critical. Now is the time to be the voice of change at the most grassroot level – schools. Let’s teach children the importance of mental health in institutions as well.
Given below is a detailed guide and difference between yoga and meditation
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a power packed combo of physical postures, meditation, and breathing exercises to promote well-being of the body. It’s extremely effective for young learners who are restless and worried all the time. Yoga brings a certain sense of peace in everyone’s life & keeps you relaxed in challenging situations of your life.
Benefits of Yoga for Students
| Benefit | Description |
| Physical Activity | Helps in releasing built-up energy & tension. |
| Improved Focus | Enhances concentration through coordinated movements and breath control. |
| Emotional Regulation | Promotes mindfulness & facilities better emotional control. |
| Better Sleep | Practices like Yoga Nidra have been shown to improve sleep quality. |
What is Meditation?
Widely known for being ‘The Art of Stillness,” meditation helps the mind reach a place of clarity, calm, and composure. It’s the best antidote to students who overthink or feel anxious.
Benefits of Meditation for Students
| Benefit | Description |
| Stress Reduction | Lowers cortisol levels & tackles stress from the root cause. |
| Enhanced Self-Awareness | Encourages introspection and emotional understanding. |
| Improved Attention | Regular practice can lead to better memory and concentration. |
| Emotional Balance | Helps manage mood swings and anxiety. |
To inculcate this habit in your students’ lives, you can arrange daily meditation breaks in order to foster a peaceful, caring, and confident atmosphere.
Yoga VS Meditation: Which one is better?
Yoga and meditation, both, offer unique benefits in their own ways. Some find yoga to be more effective for them, while others love meditation. There is no one-track answer to it. This is the main reason why students must be exposed to yoga and meditation from an early age so that they can understand which practice is best for their well-being.
Comparative Overview
| Aspect | Yoga | Meditation |
| Physical Engagement | High | Low |
| Ease of Implementation | Requires space and instruction | Can be practiced anywhere |
| Immediate Stress Relief | Through movement and breathwork | Through mental focus and relaxation |
| Long-Term Benefits | Physical health, flexibility, mindfulness | Emotional regulation, mental clarity |
How can you implement yoga and meditation at school?
The best part of yoga and meditation is that it doesn’t require heavy investment. It can be easily integrated in a student’s curriculum. You can incorporate a meditation session at the start of the day and practice yoga during physical education classes. These small changes can make a world of difference in a student’s life.
Additionally, there are several agencies that host special lectures/ classes to give students a know-how on yoga and meditation. You can also add recorded videos of yoga and meditation for young learners in the school app or LMS. Gamifying wellness also tends to get the attention of students and make them feel excited.
Supporting Mental Health Beyond the Mat
Yoga and meditation are excellent partners in getting relief from stress and promoting focus & concentration. For long-term impact, these practices should be part of a broader student wellness strategy – one that addresses both mental and physical health.
This is where Flashaid steps in.
We’re going beyond the mat by supporting students’ well-being with our comprehensive health plans. With Flashaid, schools and institutions can support their students with –
- Free Doctor Consultations for routine check-ups or concerns
- Accident Coverage—on and off campus
- Wellness Plans that include OPD, dental, and vision benefits
- Tele-health: Talk to doctors or therapists anytime—no lines, no waiting.
- Medicine Discounts: Save up to 50% on all your meds—routine or emergency.
- Lab Tests: Get quick, reliable diagnostics at discounted rates.
While you can inculcate healthy practices at a school level through yoga and meditation, we can be your partners in further taking student’s well-being up a notch. So, start inculcating these practices in your schools today to showcase that every learner’s well-being matters and their health is always looked after, no matter what the situation might be!