Health & Fitness
The Benefits of Yoga for Children
The new school year is upon us and with that comes homework and activities! Don't overlook the importance of taking a step back to relax and destress.
School starts this week and the lazy days are over as summer (un)officially comes to an end this week. As we dive headfirst into busy schedules filled with homework and activities we often forget to take the time to take a deep breathe, a step back and relax. In today’s world we should consider a time out as an important part of taking care of ourselves, not as a luxury we don’t have the time for. Yoga can help. Having a regular yoga practice has numerous proven health and mental benefits for adults and perhaps even more importantly for children. By exposing children at an early age to the wonderful benefits of yoga we provide them with powerful tools to lead a happy healthy life.
Yoga is a wonderful physical activity that builds muscles, coordination, flexibility, endurance and body awareness.
- Yoga is taught in an environment that is free of competition and judgement. It allows all children to participate, building their confidence and self esteem. Children learn to appreciate themselves and others enhancing their team skills and social interactions.
- Yoga teaches children to relax and clear their minds. It provides them with tools to deal with stress and tension. Through the teaching of breathing techniques and guided imagery children are taught to regulate their emotions, manage stress and self calm.
- The practicing of postures automatically helps children increase their concentration skills. Learning to sit still and focus helps boost their attention span which helps other activities and school work.
- Yoga encourages children to connect with the world around them. Many postures and breathing techniques were inspired thousands of years ago by the natural world. When we stand strong like a mountain or breathe like a bunny or act playful like a cat we increase our bond with nature, showing how we are all an important part of the world around us.
- Yoga fosters creativity. Children are not adults and a child’s yoga class is taught accordingly. Through play and creative posturing Yoga teaches children to put themselves out there, to be brave and to express themselves.
