Some students are turning to yoga as a way to relax and unwind. NY1's Shazia Khan filed the following report.
At PS 205 in Bayside, fourth graders gather once a week for breathing, mindfulness, stretching and other elements of yoga.
"Wellness, respect for their bodies, self love," says Cassandra Laugan, a fourth grade teacher at the school.
Little Flower Yoga brings yoga to schools across the city. Its School Yoga Project Director, Mayuri Gonzalez, says this ancient practice is a necessary tool for today's child.
"We tell our kids to sit down, pay attention, focus, listen, but have we actually taught them how?" says Gonzalez.
Classroom teachers Aleisha Castelli and Cassandra Logan championed to make yoga part of the curriculum.
"They need that downtime and to empower them and create a mindset where they can persevere and develop some resilience as they navigate complex tests and testing," says Logan.
With each breath and each stretch, the young yogis say they've started to feel more connected to their brains , bodies and to each other - both on and off the mat.
"When I think too much it hurts my head. I get headaches and then when I relax in yoga I feel good," says Erick Chambilla, a fourth grader.
"I play soccer it gives me more flexibility to kick the ball and lets me calm myself down before the game," says Andrew Zayfma, a fourth grader.
If your child's school does not offer yoga or if you can't take them to a studio, there is plenty you can do right at home.
"Just sitting there when they are getting ready to do their homework, just pressing their feet into the floor taking a big breath in and reaching their arms up and brining it down," suggests Gonzalez.
For more tips, visit www.littlefloweryoga.com.