The relationship between yoga exercises and well-being in young children

This paper examines the benefits of yoga exercises for young children's physiological, psychological, and holistic development. Children in contemporary technology-driven societies face heightened risks of stress, anxiety, behavioural dysregulation, and sedentary lifestyles, necessitating evidence-based, low-infrastructure wellness interventions. The study is aimed to synthesise existing empirical evidence on the outcomes of school-based and home-based yoga practice among early primary school-aged children and to recommend pragmatic integration pathways for educational institutions. Using a descriptive review methodology, five peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2014 ‒ 2026 were systematically selected and analysed. Findings consistently demonstrated that structured yoga programmes encompassing asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and mindfulness-based movement produce measurable improvements in psycho-physiological health, neurological regulation, emotional resilience, social behaviour, and academic engagement. Notably, Kundalini Yoga integrated within Physical Education produced positive trajectories in affective engagement among first-grade children, while neuro-yoga practices were found to optimise autonomic nervous system balance and executive function. A decade-long integrative review further confirmed significant reductions in perceived stress and improvements in resilience and self-regulation. These findings support the institutional integration of yoga within school curricula as a feasible, cost-effective strategy for promoting holistic child well-being. Recommendations for policymakers, school administrators, and parents are discussed.