Prioritizing student well-being, St. John's School organized a workshop to help students navigate inner challenges they often hesitate to share and find difficult to understand.
To bridge this gap, the workshop titled "Mindful with Yoga: Decoding Well-being" was conducted on 22nd April 2025 for the students of classes VI-XII. It was a comprehensive workshop focusing on the intricate connection between emotions, the body, and the mind. The session was expertly facilitated by Dr. Arti Girdhar, Founder and President of ANON Global Foundation. She began the session by discussing how various emotions impact different body parts and internal organs, emphasizing the importance of emotional balance for overall well-being.
Dr. Girdhar’s expertise and enthusiasm created an engaging learning environment, where participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences. She explained how emotions such as stress, anxiety, and happiness affect systems in the body, including the nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. Through relatable examples and case studies, participants gained a deeper understanding of how emotional regulation influences physical health. The students were actively involved, taking notes and asking insightful questions to clarify their understanding.
The session then moved on to explore the multidimensional aspects of well-being, including physical, emotional, and mental health. This reflective exercise encouraged students to assess their own well-being and identify areas for personal growth. With the facilitator’s guidance, students learned the importance of balance in their lives and were encouraged to set personal goals and develop actionable strategies to enhance their overall well-being.
The workshop culminated in a guided yoga session, during which students practiced various yoga postures under Dr. Girdhar’s supervision. This segment promoted physical well-being, relaxation, and mental clarity, leaving participants feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Dr. Girdhar provided personalized adjustments and modifications to ensure safe and effective practice for everyone. The yoga session was followed by a calming meditation exercise, helping participants center their minds and focus on their breath.
To recognize and reward active participation, medals were awarded to students who demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to their well-being journey. This gesture served as motivation for students to continue practicing yoga and mindfulness in their daily lives. Participants were also encouraged to share their experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Students from St. John’s School, along with several volunteers, shared their feedback at the end of the session. They expressed sincere appreciation for the workshop’s positive impact on their understanding of mindfulness and yoga. Many participants praised Dr. Girdhar’s expertise, patience, and engaging teaching style, which made the experience enjoyable and meaningful. Several students reported feeling more relaxed, focused, and emotionally balanced as a result of the workshop.
Overall, the workshop was a resounding success, offering students a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga and mindfulness in a supportive environment. Participants left the session feeling empowered and motivated to prioritize their well-being, with a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of emotions, body, and mind.
The workshop's impact was clearly reflected in the participants’ increased emotional awareness and improved physical health. Many felt more confident, self-assured, and resilient, equipped with practical tools to manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
In conclusion, the “Mindful with Yoga: Decoding Well-being” workshop was a deeply enriching experience for all involved. We are grateful for the opportunity to host such initiatives and look forward to organizing more workshops in the future, continuing our commitment to nurturing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our students.