Port Washington High School Launches New Yoga Program: PHOTOS

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Don't be surprised to see Port Washington high-schoolers doing a lotus pose or downward facing dog — it's all part of a new initiative to enrich their physical and emotional health through yoga and breathing sessions.

Paul D. Schreiber High School kicked off its so-called "Well Being Wednesday" initiative this month, the district said in a news release Thursday.

Students can begin their day with yoga, mindfulness and meditation before first period classes on Wednesdays. The sessions are held in the school's student commons area. The program lasts 25 weeks, segmented into five-week themed sessions: stability, balance, gratitude, joy and peace. The sessions include five minutes of centering and discussion, five minutes of breathing exercises and 20 minutes of yoga poses and deep relaxation.

Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to help alleviate stress and anxiety through increased levels of executive function skills, emotional self-regulation, positive self-esteem, and overall well-being, the district said.