Welcome to RESPIRA+
We start this lesson by asking: What does it mean to move with awareness?
In our first 30-minute session, we’ll take time to:
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Meet and greet as a group
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Set shared expectations
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Introduce the basics of yoga, mindfulness, and physical activity
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Discuss what you’ll learn during the program
Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, you will:
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Understand the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for your mind and body
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Learn how physical activity supports brain and emotional health
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Use tools like Fitbit activity monitors to track movement and reflect on wellness habits
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Practice stress-reducing strategies that you can use anytime, anywhere
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Learn how to effectively set and track personal wellness goals
Let’s begin this journey—juntas.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga isn’t just stretching—it’s a practice that connects breath, body, and mind. Through gentle movement, breathing techniques, and moments of stillness, you can begin to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. Mindfulness means paying attention on purpose, with kindness. It helps us respond effectively and rationally to stress, rather than react to it.
What is Physical Activity—and Why Does it Matter?
Physical activity includes anything that gets the body moving—walking, dancing, playing sports, or yoga. For adolescents, staying active improves mood, boosts brain function, builds confidence, and lowers the risk of chronic disease. It’s also one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How Do We Measure Movement and Health?
To see how your body responds to movement, we’ll do a few simple activities, like walking or step tests, to check how your heart and lungs are working, what we call cardiovascular fitness. This gives us a starting point for understanding your fitness and how it improves over time.We also use Fitbit activity monitors to track daily movement, sleep, and heart rate throughout the program. These tools help us understand not just how much youth move, but how movement supports their overall well-being.