Elementary aged students experience stress at school resulting in behaviors such as aggression, inattention, and impulsivity. Stress can also manifest in decreased participation in academic curriculum and decreased ability to interact positively with peers. Mindful practices have shown to decrease stress in elementary students. Yoga uses physical postures, measured breath, and meditation to positively influence the well-being of children. Qi gong is ancient Chinese medicine practice which uses slow movement patterns in combination with breathing postures to positively affect well-being and executive function in school age children. Meditation has also shown to decrease stress and improve behavior in students. Specifically, being able to shift attention, regulate behavior, and inhibit responses affect academic performance. Interweaving small doses of accessible regulating practices into daily education can positively benefit student’s academic performance and social emotional experience at school.
