Alan Milburn’s recent report on young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) highlights one of the most pressing social and economic challenges facing the UK today. The rising numbers should concern all of us, not only because of the impact on the life chances of individual young people, but because they
The NEET Crisis Begins Long Before a Young Person Leaves School Continue »
There is something slightly uneasy about the word therapy. Not because it is wrong, nor because it has not brought relief and understanding to many, but because it carries with it a particular orientation: one that can, at times, locate the problem within the individual and the solution in an intervention. When we bring this word into the
Cikitsā: a different language for healing Continue »
Being a teenager can feel like living in a house that’s being beautifully renovated while you’re still inside it. Neuroscience now confirms what many of us feel: the adolescent brain isn’t “broken”—it’s under construction, exquisitely wired for learning, courage, and connection. 1) A brain built for boldness.During adolescence, the reward system (hello, dopamine) becomes extra
Adolescence & the Brain: A Love Letter to Your Becoming Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus In a world that constantly demands your attention—scroll here, swipe there, binge this, do more—have you ever paused to ask: Where is my energy going? This is a question at the heart of an ancient yogic principle called Brahmacharya—a Sanskrit word often misunderstood, but deeply relevant to young people today. What Is Brahmacharya, Really?
Where Is Your Energy Going? Understanding Brahmacharya for Young People Continue »
by Charlotta Martinus Self-care is often spoken about as something simple: take a bath, go for a walk, pause for a deep breath. Yet for many of us — teachers, parents, young people alike — caring for ourselves can feel surprisingly difficult. Even when we know we need rest, something inside resists. We keep pushing,
The Art of Letting Go: Overcoming Hindrances to Self-Care Through Ishwara Pranidhana Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus Let’s talk honestly: in today’s fast-moving, overstimulated world, focus can feel like a luxury—especially for young people grappling with ADHD. But what if the antidote isn’t more medication, more pressure, or more labels? What if it lies in the ancient, embodied wisdom of discipline? Not the rigid, punishing kind that shuts kids down.
Discipline and Focus: A Compassionate Antidote to ADHD Continue »
Theory of Change Model for Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health and Social Cohesion 1. Inputs 2. Activities 3. Outputs 4. Short-term Outcomes 5. Intermediate Outcomes 6. Long-term Outcomes
Theory of Change Model for Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health and Social Cohesion Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus There’s a recurring narrative among politicians: young people need more grit. They need resilience training, mental toughness, and a structured approach to tackling life’s challenges. It sounds reasonable, right? After all, the world is unpredictable, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is undoubtedly valuable. However, as someone deeply engaged with
The last lot of tips for teaching yoga in schools… Tip Number 7: Sometimes persisting with the pranayama practice can work like magic. It might be worth using some cues to positively reinforce the behaviour you are pleased with as soon as you hear some students begin to chat ‘All we want to hear is
Strategies for teaching yoga in schools – Part 3 Continue »
Welcome back for more tips on how to teach yoga in schools. Read on for more… Tip number 4: A good technique to use is to bring people back together just as their conversation peaks, so that they know that they have to discuss the question straight away, otherwise they might not get chance. You
Strategies for teaching yoga in schools – Part 211 Continue »
Over the next few days we will be releasing some tips on how to hold the energy in a yoga class of teens. Keep checking back for more strategies to help you teach to your best ability! Tip Number 1: Students really respond well to listening to the singing bowl to help focus. Students often
Strategies for teaching yoga in schools Continue »
This time of year, it can feel like we are working against our own bodies, pushing ourselves up out of bed when its dark, taking vitamins, supplements, coffee, chocolate or pro-plus to keep going until the mid-winter feast which pushes us even further into activity and consumption. I have had the benefit of slowing
Christmas lesson for teens Continue »
Exam practise Things to do before exams 1. Sleep well (follow steps below) 2. switch off any screens at least an hour before bed 3. don’t drink coffee or alcohol or eat sugar after supper ( even better, avoid them altogether if you can) 4. have a hot bath with lavender or chamomile essential oils
Pre-exam yoga practise Continue »
Expectation overload, online quantitative identity, our teens need to relax deeper and more than ever before. Some of them are constantly anxious or stressed and depending on the level of stress, you may need to start with some movement to release tension, before you can move into stillness effectively. I believe, as the Dalai Lama
10 ways to help your teen relax Continue »
Here are five easy steps towards decreasing stress during exams: 1. Breathe! As you sti down to study, make sure you take 5 minutes to notice your breathing If you need stimulation, breathe deep and fast and if you ned calming down, make sure your outbreath is longer than your in breath. 2. Stretch! Your
Coping with Exam stress Continue »
