Schools across India teaching Happiness classes

According to The World Health Organization 1 in 4 children in India aged 13-15 struggles with depression, many also report difficulty in focusing and often feel distracted when doing homework.  Now schools across India have begun to introduce Happiness classes.  Hoping to enhance the mental and emotional wellbeing of pupils, classes focus on mindfulness training and living in the present to help reduce stress and anxiety.  Teachers have been trained to use various techniques with the children including value based activities and self expression. Simple exercises include getting pupils to close their eyes and just listen to the sounds around them.

Delhi’s education minister Manish Sisodia said “Happy kids show up more able to learn as they tend to sleep better and may have healthier immune systems.  Happy kids learn faster, think more creatively, tend to be more resilient in the face of failure, have stronger relationships and make friends easily.  It will address the ever growing concern that levels of happiness and wellbeing are decreasing while stress, anxiety and depression are increasing.”