By WMBD-TV

SPRINGFIELD – Students across Illinois may start learning new relaxation techniques in the classroom to lower their stress levels.

A bill moving in the state capitol aims to lower students’ stress by encouraging school districts to have at least 20 minutes of instruction on relaxation activities each week. Suggested activities in the bill include mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking and in-person conversation.

“Allocating at least 20 minutes per week for students to unwind and prioritize their mental health will alleviate the pressure to constantly engage in mental tasks, leading to improved academic performance,” said Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet), the bill’s sponsor in the Senate. “Purposeful relaxation time will empower students to develop effective stress and anxiety management strategies.”

The bill allows the school district to choose how to implement the relaxation activities, including in a P.E. class, an advisory class, or creating a new class. School districts may partner with a public or private community organization for help providing the relaxation activities to students.

More than 145,000 tweens and teens in the state have been diagnosed with depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health.

“We have all heard stories of teens struggling with mental health problems, especially as they progress through high school,” said State Representative Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake). “The prevalence of this issue should be enough to drive this home: kids need new tools to maintain emotional stability.”

The bill passed the House of Representatives’ Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee on Wednesday. The proposal has already passed the Illinois Senate.

Republicans have voted against the proposal.

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