Yoga is offered at SPHS for the 25-26 school year to reduce and manage the stress of school and life. The Stretch Your Wellness class being taught by health/physical education teacher Ms. Bell, will be offered as a 0.5 PE credit, and will serve as an excellent stress reliever for students. 

“The main objective of this course is for students to learn healthy ways to relieve and cope with stress” Bell said. 

The class is aiming to receive positive feedback from students who will enjoy the chance to clear their minds and relax during busy school days.

“All students should take Stretch Your Wellness because all students have home and school pressures and all students can benefit from the tools they will learn in the class” Bell said. 

The class, which is open to all students, will cover many aspects of yoga and mindfulness such as “postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, healthy diet, and mindfulness principles” Bell said. The growing recognition of the importance of student mental health is a driving factor in the purpose of this class, and the techniques learned in the class will benefit students even after high school. 

“Stretch Your Wellness is for all students looking to gain relaxation techniques for a lifetime and connecting their mind and body” Bell said. 

This class will give students the opportunity to step away from the mental, emotional and physical demands of everyday life and focus on themselves without the stressors of life whispering in the back of their minds. The class will aim to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted, whether they are new to yoga or are experienced in it. The class will also aim to benefit students physically. 

Yoga is known for its ability to improve strength, flexibility and posture. Studies have shown that it also boosts energy levels and improves sleep. Based on the fact that mental and physical health are constantly affecting each other, it is important that students keep up with both. Especially with the large number of athletes at SPHS the class would benefit any who wished to improve or maintain their overall well being. 

“Stretch Your Wellness empowers students in their practice by leading demonstrations and sharing the practice” 

Bell said. By incorporating yoga into a busy schedule students are taking a step into being responsible for their own well being, and making sure that they have time to work things out for themselves. The Stretch Your Wellness class’ goal is to allow students to practice mindfulness, improve their physical health and learn healthy habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.