Groundbreaking News: Illinois Approves Law for Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools
Thanks to the support of the yoga community, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has officially signed SB 2872 into law, marking a big win for student wellness. The new law, now Public Act 103-0764, allows Illinois school districts to provide at least 20 minutes of “relaxation activities” during the school week. This includes practices like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, walking, and other mindfulness activities aimed at improving students' mental and physical health. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Yoga Alliance — a U.S.-based nonprofit membership trade and professional organization for yoga teachers — collaborated with Senator Rachel Ventura, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, and Rep. Laura Faver Dias, who sponsored it in the House, to make sure that schools can partner with both public and private organizations and professionals, including yoga businesses, to offer these relaxation activities as stated in Sec. 27-23.17.
Sec. 27-23.17. Relaxation activities. Each school district may provide to students, in addition to and not substituting recess, at least 20 minutes a week of relaxation activities to enhance the mental and physical health of students as part of the school day. Relaxation activities may include, but are not limited to, mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking, in-person conversation, and other stress-relieving activities. A school district may partner with public and private community organizations to provide relaxation activities. These activities may take place in a physical education class, social-emotional learning class, or student-support or advisory class or as a part of another similar class, including a new class.
While this is fantastic news for Illinois, it’s also a huge moment for the broader yoga community — and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we work together to promote wellness in schools. Here at The Balanced Child Method in Ohio, we couldn’t be more inspired by this achievement!
A goal of our organization is to see similar legislation in Ohio, making yoga and mindfulness not just an extracurricular option but a core part of the school day. We are proud to be in 50+ early childhood education centers across Central Ohio, as well as in elementary after-school programs. bringing yoga and mindfulness to kids and helping them manage stress, stay active, and build emotional resilience. But we believe we can do more, and we’re excited to expand our reach even further.
The passage of SB 2872 in Illinois gives us hope for what we can accomplish right here in Ohio. We’re energized by the idea that one day, all students will have the opportunity to practice yoga and mindfulness as a regular part of their school day, helping to foster a healthier, more balanced generation.
Stay tuned as we continue to advocate for this important cause and work towards making mindful movement and relaxation practices a lasting part of education!
