Shelby Phoenix is a former art teacher and today she teaches children and teens the benefits of yoga to combat their stress and anxiety. During the pandemic, Shelby saw how her students were checked out online and could see how nothing was set up for their success. Undergoing her yoga certification training during the pandemic, Shelby now teaches middle schoolers how to breathe and self-regulate themselves when their days are getting too hectic.
Key Takeaways
- Covid happened and that shakes up a child’s world.
- What is the definition of trauma?
- As a teacher, Shelby saw so many children virtually check out.
- How does yoga improve mental health?
- Yoga teaches kids that you can take in a deep breath and calm down at any time, and you don’t need to rely on substances to get you going.
- Why is it that at a certain point, children give up drawing and doing art?
- You build confidence by failing.
- Mindfulness doesn’t always mean just sitting down on a mat. It can mean being aware of what an energy drink, or sugar, is doing to you.
- Kids need a break and a mental pause in this fast-paced world. It’s no wonder they're anxious all the time!
“Covid was a trauma, collectively, for a lot of kids. The kids aren’t coping and the adults aren’t really coping, and then they have to go to school.”
“Yoga and mindfulness gives kids the access to understanding that they have to love themselves before they can love anybody else.”
“Yoga gives children the opportunity to push their boundaries and try new things.”
