Activities such as mindful breathing and visualization are beneficial for all children, but especially for those who might be feeling stressed about a big change in their lives. Mind-body exercises can help children to calm their minds and regulate their emotions better.

Introducing these exercises in the classroom results in students having better self-control, anxiety management, concentration, and mental focus. Good schools are concerned about overall well-being of students, which is why some of the best international schools in Bangalore employ the following exercises in the classroom:

1)Breathing and Movement

Engaging children in activities that are focused on breathing and movement makes them more aware of their bodies and the sensations within them. It teaches children how to use their breath to focus and calm themselves. Equipped with this practice, kids can regulate their emotions in overwhelming situations even when they may not have an external source of support in the form of a parent, teacher, or other adult. The more they practice, the easier it will get for them to tap into these resources when they need them.

Deep belly breathing is a simple exercise to get children started with. They will stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart, relax their bodies and keep their eyes closed to breathe deeply.

2)Mindfulness

Mindfulness exercises give children the opportunity to be fully present. Being mindful helps them focus and pay attention to a task they are involved with at the moment, bringing out the best in them.

A simple mindfulness activity is listening. This can be done by asking students to sit quietly at their desks with closed eyes. They are then asked to quiet their minds and listen carefully to whatever is going on around them for a minute. They may hear the clock ticking, sounds of breathing, birds or animals outside the classroom. They should be encouraged to keep their thoughts from interrupting their listening. Students are asked to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after the activity.

3)Drawing and Coloring

Drawing and coloring is very effective to calm and focus students. It gives them a break from a busy, rushed day to create something pleasing to them. Being able to tap into the quiet concentration that creating art requires builds the capacity children have for self-calming in upsetting situations.

4)Journaling Mind-Body Exercises

Journaling is a fun and relaxing mind-body exercise for students. It has the additional benefit of giving them an opportunity to work through problems they might be facing —arguments, jealousy, disputes, dilemmas along with being a huge opportunity to remember good experiences. This exercise should be as free flowing as possible, without time or format restrictions. The aim here is to allow children to express themselves as openly as they can. They can do so by making lists, writing short poems or essays or letters, anything they’re comfortable with.

Owing to such vital benefits such as increased self-control, stress management, improved concentration, and focus, a greater number of schools across all boards, including the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore are adopting these practices as an integral part of student well-being.