Laughter Yoga For School Children
April 23, 2020 2020-05-09 12:52Laughter Yoga For School Children
Laughter Yoga For School Children
From March, 2011 Laughter Yoga has been officially introduced as part of the High School syllabus (Class X). The new book is published by Central Board Of Secondary Education (CBSE) which governs most schools all over India and also some in the Middle East like Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Bahrain which follow the same syllabus. This is a great initiative by the Government of India Education Department to create awareness among school children about the benefits of laughter.
Benefits of Laughter Yoga for Children in the Following Challenges
Low Concentration
Studies show a huge leap in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with this disorder are extremely hyperactive and find it difficult to concentrate for even short periods.
Laughter improves blood circulation and flushes the lungs of stale residual air. Approaches to therapeutic laughter such as Laughter Wellness and Laughter Yoga help children to achieve better concentration power, increase learning abilities and enhance academic performance.
Lack of Emotional Bonding
The increase of “broken homes” and the consequent lack of emotional bonding and long-term relationships with parents or responsible adults combine to cause a host of emotional problems.
Laughter is mainly about relationships. Laughing together can greatly improve cooperation and empathy between people of different cultural backgrounds. It fosters better communication, which leads to a less confrontational approach in tense situations and a change from individual competitiveness to team cooperation. Voluntary simulated laughter in particular is most beneficial for very socially and culturally diverse groups thanks to its universal and inclusive nature, because it means that they can all join in and develop a sense of belonging.
Academic Pressure
Children faced with a competitive academic environment from early age are being pressured by their parents and teachers to attain excellent grades. Schoolwork results in many symptoms of stress and high social anxiety.
As they learn to laugh unconditionally, children become adept at handling pressure as laughter builds self confidence and the ability to handle stress by boosting the immune system and releasing endorphins in the brain which kick start good feelings and reduce stress.
Lack of Exercise
Children whose natural energy is traditionally expressed in movement, laughter and play are being forced to sit still and concentrate for extended periods from an early age.
Physical fitness stemming from laughter is a benefit known to few. When you laugh, all your body systems are affected in a positive manner. Approaches to therapeutic laughter such as Laughter Wellness and Laughter Yoga offer a unique workout regime that oxygenates the blood and other organs. It can be practiced both indoors and outdoors.
Archana’s step by step health assessments and board spectrum of health activities, not only comes as a preventive measure but also direct intervention for a promising health and longevity, both for junior & senior generations. She has done various Laughter sessions in school assembly, grab their collective attention AND teach them something about health and wellness. Her work has been appreciated by teachers and the beauty is that they were learning without realizing they were being taught. Many schools and organizations are incorporating mindfulness as a way to help students and staff, focus, feel centered, and improve social skills. Archana’s Laughter Yoga sessions help teach the basics of mindfulness in a fun, entertaining way. In this program, students and teachers learn mindfulness exercises and stress relief techniques that will help them breathe, relax, focus, act, and interact, mindfully.
