Yoga in Schools: The Scientific Rationale and Research Evidence

What if the simple practice of yoga could transform how students learn, regulate their emotions, and show up in the world? In an era when anxiety, attention challenges, and disconnection are epidemic in schools, there's a growing recognition that mind-body awareness isn't a luxury—it's an essential skill. This workshop, led by renowned yoga researcher Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, showing educators and wellness professionals exactly why and how yoga works in educational settings.

Whether you're a teacher seeking evidence-based tools to support your students, a school administrator exploring wellness initiatives, or a dedicated practitioner curious about yoga's measurable impact, this session offers clarity and inspiration grounded in rigorous research. Held at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, MA on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, this in-person workshop brings you face-to-face with an expert who has spent decades studying the neuroscience and physiology of yoga practice. You'll leave with a deep understanding of the mechanisms at work and confidence in yoga's evidence-based benefits for student wellbeing.

What to Expect

This workshop takes you on a journey through the science of yoga in schools. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa opens by establishing why emotional regulation, physical fitness, and mind-body awareness have become non-negotiable for modern learners. The session then explores the neuroscientific foundations—how breath work affects the nervous system, how movement enhances attention, and how somatic awareness builds resilience.

You'll survey the growing body of research on yoga's real-world impact when implemented in school environments, examining both physiological outcomes (stress reduction, improved sleep, cardiovascular health) and psychological benefits (emotional regulation, focus, social-emotional learning). The atmosphere blends scholarly rigor with practical wisdom, honoring both the scientific method and yoga's holistic philosophy.

Participants leave with a credible, research-backed understanding they can share with colleagues, administrators, and families—plus concrete knowledge of how to advocate for and implement yoga programs in schools.

Venue & Logistics

This in-person workshop takes place at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, a serene retreat sanctuary nestled in the Berkshires of Stockbridge, MA. Please arrive in comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for a seated learning environment (this is a workshop, not a practice session). Bring water and a notebook if you wish to take notes. Kripalu is fully accessible; contact the venue directly with specific accessibility needs.