We explored how Yoga can help prevent victims from bullying in from Can Yoga Prevent Bullying? Part 1 and Part 2. Now, can yoga help the bully too?
Compassion. Bullies bully because it’s a learned behavior. They may feel powerless often because another is overpowering them, so they use others to feel powerful. Kids with this awareness can empathize with a bully to divert them to another way of dealing with their pain. Holding your body and having an attitude of confidence can protect you from being a target; the next step is to actually empathize with the bully if you still become a target.
Yoga teaches kids to be comfortable with who they are; it’s a powerful mindset. When you feel good about you, you can help others. Exercise boundaries with useful phrases to say in the moment, like:
- “Ouch, you must be really hurting to say or do <that> to me.
- “I get that you are in pain, but hurting me is not going to help you feel better. What can I do to help you?”
- “Listen. I’m sorry for whatever is making you want to say or do <this>, but you picked the wrong person. It’s not too late for you to change your mind.”
We know from Can Yoga Prevent Bullying? Part 1 that Yoga teaches kids how to hold their bodies. Let’s explore another practical possibility of how yoga can help prevent becoming a victim.
Attitude. Bullies tend to avoid people with strong energy. It’s easier to pick on an emotionally weaker target. Here’s why some kids with large frames who may not feel large inside become targets, and some kids with small frames never become targets.
This requires concentration. Concentration with practice creates strength, balance and coordination, and these results build confidence. Confidence can emit an attitude of self-reliance. When a bully says or does something to hurt you, you can simply reject it. Holding your body and confidently responding with, “Nice try.” and walking away will not give the bully their desired outcome of power over you.
Even if what the bully said, or did, did hurt you, you can deal with that later, either on your own or with the help of a trusted adult.
What if Yoga could prevent bullying? Let’s explore 3 practical possibilities of how yoga can help victims, and even the bully!
Body Awareness. The number one reason bullies choose their victims is based on perceived strength or weakness in physical appearance. Sure, it’s less likely to be bullied if you are a kid with a large frame, but it’s not size that matters, how you hold your body. No matter what size you are, if you look like “The Wimpy Kid”, your chances of being a target are much higher.
Yoga teaches kids how to stand tall and strong (Mountain Pose) no matter how big or small you are physically, or how scared you may feel inside. Have you ever met a powerful two year old you wouldn’t want to mess with?! Your posture alone can ward off potential threats.
Can Yoga Prevent Bullying? Part 2 explores another way to avoid being a victim of bullying, and Can Yoga Prevent Bullying? Part 3, we’ll explore how to help the bully.
The research on sleep for kids is relatively conclusive. Kids at every age need more!
New research explains how vitamin ZZZ may help children fight obesity, avoid colds, and succeed in school. It’s our job as parents to create a climate of sleep. That can be a real challenge with our busy lifestyles. It aims to help children get more sleep so parents can keep their sanity. Win-Win!
Littles: How Yoga can help at home: Massage is a great bedtime ritual. Once your little is in bed, try shaking out arms and legs like noodles and gently, but firmly, press them down from shoulder to wrist and thigh to ankle to ground the body. This may be silly at first. Repeat if necessary (slower each time) until the wiggles diminish and the body gets heavy and ready for sleep.
School Age: How Yoga can help at home: Try the IYK® Power Down sequence to say goodbye to the day and prepare for better, longer, deeper sleep. This is especially handy for those sudden bursts of energy right before bedtime. ☺
Teens: How Yoga can help at home: Waking up is hard for the teenage brain. Try the IYK® Power Up sequence to get moving and make it a great day!
According to forbes.com, “…results of the new study…add to the growing body of evidence showing how yoga and mindfulness can affect the developing brain, behavior, and mental health. At a time when the most developmentally important learning opportunities are being stripped away in U.S. schools—recess time, art and music, and hands-on learning—and stress levels are rising, the study points to an effective way for schools to help kids deal with it all.”
It takes PRACTICE to develop the task of concentration. Yoga delivers results. Yoga can help with mindset and movement practices made for the classroom.
- Benefits for Every Classroom
- Improved focus and learning with breath work to oxygenate the brain
- Growth mindset with intensions and positive self-talk
- Self-control through body awareness
- Outcomes for Students
- Concentration and Collaboration
- Accountability and Adaptability
- Resilience and Recovery
- Effort and Endurance
- Courage and Confidence
These results can be achieved with 2 to 10 minutes of daily practice over time.