Yoga

Yoga involves the practice of bodily postures for health and relaxation purposes. Specific yoga disciplines or curricula are numerous and varied, however most incorporate breath control, meditation and adoption of different postures.

Beyond the physical activity element which strengthens muscles, yoga practice is aimed at controlling and stilling the mind and relieving stress. For young people, yoga can assist with promoting mental and physical wellbeing.

How can it be implemented?

Yoga is most commonly delivered in group settings with a trained facilitator. One-on-one sessions delivered in person, or remotely, are also feasible.

Who is the target group?

This flexible activity has been implemented with a number of different target groups. Key characteristics include:

• School students
• School students attending alternative education schools
• Young adults aged 14-20

What programs conduct this activity?

• In the Kripalu Yoga in the Schools (KYIS) curriculum, yoga practice included 5 minutes of warm-up, 15 minutes of yoga poses, 5 minutes of didactic or experiential content and a 5 minute relaxation exercise.
• In the Mindfulness-based stress reduction (adapted version) program, didactic material related to yoga, as well as experiential practice in mindful yoga formed part of the program.
• The Transformative Life Skills (TLS) program is a universal yoga-based social-emotional promotion program. Sessions involve yoga postures, focused breathing and centring meditation.
• No program name: yoga intervention consists of 42 standard yoga sessions which involve postures, breathing, relaxation and guided meditation techniques.

What else should I consider?

Yoga practice should be delivered by a trained facilitator.

Further resources