The following research on school-based yoga and mindfulness programs suggests that incorporating such practices in a school environment provides several positive effects on student mental and physical health:
(Butzer et al., 2016; Felver et al., 2015; Ferreira-Vorkapic et al., 2015; Khalsa & Butzer, 2016; Chung, 2018; Maynard et al., 2017; Serwacki & CooPk-Cottone, 2012; Zenner et al, 2014).
Citations for the positive effects on student mental and physical health:
- has a positive impact on students’ academic performance: (Anila et al., 2016; Butzer et al., 2015; Hagins and Rundle, 2016; Kauts & Sharma, 2009 Singh et al., 2016; Theirry et al., 2016; Wang & Hagins, 2016; Bennett & Dorjee, 2016)
- eases anxiety and tension (such as pre-test or performance anxieties: (Bellinger et al., 2015; Etherington & Costello, 2018; Frank et al., 2014; Noggle et al., 2012)
- reduces anger, depression, and fatigue: (Felver et al., 2015; Sibinga et al., 2015; Malboeuf-Hurtbise et al., 2016; Sibinga et al., 2016)
- enhances focus, attention, concentration, comprehension, and memory: (Case-Smith et al., 2010; Ehud et al., 2010; Pradhan & Nagendra, 2010; Napoli et al., 2005; Manjunath & Telles, 2004; Wimmer et al., 2016; Quach et al., 2015; Mak et al., 2018; Tarrasch et al., 2018)
- builds resiliency and optimism: (Jennings, P. A., Frank, J. L., Snowberg, K. E., Coccia, M. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2013)
- improving classroom learning enviroments: School Psychology Quarterly, 28(4), 374–390
