Yoga for online schools- who would have thought it?!
When parents meet with the admissions team, we always stress the importance of a well-balanced routine, involving plenty of co-curricular activities. At CHS, we offer a full range of clubs to engage and inspire outside the curriculum (over 20 hours per week!), but we also encourage students to look past their screens and engage in local clubs and societies.
In this day and age, we all know the importance of mindfulness, stretching, and taking stock before the day starts, which is why we offer our students in both Prep and Senior School the opportunity to take part in co-curricular yoga before school.
Incorporating yoga for online schools as a co-curricular activity not only promotes physical health but also supports mental well-being, helping students thrive in a virtual environment. Here’s why we love yoga as a co-curricular activity…
Yoga gets you moving!
One of the downsides of the modern world can be the lack of physical movement. Students often spend a fair deal of time sitting in front of screens (although with earlier finish times, this is not a huge problem for our students!)
Yoga, with its focus on movement and flexibility, offers a perfect solution:
- Physical activity: Yoga encourages students to stretch and move their bodies, which helps alleviate any aches and tension in the body.
- Improved posture: Regular practice of yoga strengthens core muscles and improves posture, reducing strain on the back and neck.
- Increased energy: A brief yoga session can boost circulation and energy levels, helping students feel more awake and alert during their studies.
Incorporating short, guided yoga sessions between classes or at the end of the school day can be a refreshing way to balance screen time with physical activity.
Promoting mental health and emotional balance
It is clear from our conversations with parents that mental health is a growing concern for students. Yoga for online schools, with its emphasis on mindfulness and breath control, has been shown to reduce stress and promote emotional resilience.
- Mindfulness and focus: Yoga encourages mindfulness, which helps students stay grounded and present. It can sharpen focus, making it easier to manage academic tasks.
- Stress reduction: Yoga’s breathing exercises, such as deep breathing or alternate nostril breathing, are scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels, which lowers stress and anxiety.
- Emotional regulation: By practicing yoga regularly, students can learn to regulate their emotions better, fostering a sense of calm and control, even in challenging times.
Adding yoga to the co-curricular roster offers students a much-needed break to unwind and centre themselves, especially before or after exams or deadlines
Fostering community and connection
Yoga can be a wonderful way to build a sense of community, even in a virtual setting.
- Group yoga sessions: Hosting live virtual yoga classes allows students to participate together, fostering a sense of shared experience and connection.
- Peer support: Students can motivate each other by sharing their progress, favourite poses, and experiences, creating a supportive and inclusive community.
- Instructor-led wellness workshops: Schools can invite certified yoga instructors to lead workshops focusing on wellness, mindfulness, and healthy living. These events can become a space where students connect with peers while learning new skills.
Yoga, in this way, becomes more than just an individual practice; it becomes a collective activity that helps students feel part of a wider, caring community.
Supporting cognitive function and academic performance
Research has shown that yoga can have a positive impact on cognitive function, which directly benefits academic performance. Yoga for online schools is no different!
- Enhanced concentration: The mindfulness aspect of yoga helps students improve their attention span and focus, which can translate into better performance in their studies.
- Memory improvement: Regular yoga practice has been linked to improved memory and cognitive flexibility, skills that are vital for academic success.
- Better sleep: Yoga can also improve sleep quality, which is essential for memory consolidation, mood regulation, and overall cognitive performance.
Yoga helps our students cultivate habits that support not just their physical and mental health, but also their academic achievements.
Flexible and accessible for all students
One of the best things about yoga is that it’s easily adaptable and requires minimal equipment—making it an ideal activity for online students.
- No special equipment needed: A mat or towel is often all that’s required for yoga, making it accessible to all students, regardless of their location or resources.
- Customisable for all levels: Yoga can be easily modified to accommodate beginners, as well as more experienced practitioners. Schools can offer classes for different skill levels, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit.
- Flexible scheduling: Yoga sessions can be integrated into the daily or weekly schedule, we use it as an online energiser!
This flexibility makes yoga a great addition to online learning environments where students can practice at their own pace, whenever it fits into their day.
Yoga- supporting a holistic approach to online learning
By incorporating yoga for online schools into our co-curricular offerings, CHS can take a holistic approach to student well-being. Yoga not only supports physical health but also enhances mental clarity, emotional stability, and a sense of community—benefits that are especially valuable in the context of remote learning.
Encouraging students to practice yoga regularly can help them develop life skills like stress management, focus, and self-awareness, making it a truly valuable addition to any online school curriculum.
Want to find out more about our co-curricular offering? Please email admissions@chsonline.org.uk or book a meeting with our admissions team to discuss your entry requirements today!