Yoga for Kids

Yoga is an ancient art that connects the mind and body. It is an exercise that we perform by balancing the elements of our bodies. Moreover, yoga helps us keep control of our bodies as well as mind. It is a great channel for releasing our stress and anxiety.

In the earlier days, the followers of Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism practiced it. Slowly, it found its way in Western countries. Ever since people from all over the world perform yoga to relax their minds and keep their bodies fit. Furthermore, yoga helps in sharpening our mind and improving our intelligence. We can achieve a higher level of concentration through yoga and also learn how to steady our emotions.

Why is yoga for kids important? Yoga is a great way to teach children about relaxation, meditation, and peace — while having fun at the same time. Kids these days are busy. They go to school all day, have extracurriculars and homework in the evenings, family time and more extracurriculars on the weekends . . .

Practicing yoga is important for kids for many of the same reasons it is important for adults. Yoga helps kids to relax, relieve stress and anxiety, sleep better, improve emotional regulation, increase empathy, and improve mood and affect.

For kids, it is important that we teach them the balance between negative and positive emotions. Yoga helps to achieve this.Yoga teaches us about our bodies. When we practice the physical postures or exercises (called asanas), we learn how to move more freely and with greater ease and awareness. These postures help our bodies become strong and flexible.

• Yoga teaches us how to improve memory. Practicing yoga requires concentration of both the mind and the body.When kids practice yoga, they are essentially practicing their ability to focus on the task at hand. In their day-to-day lives, this translates to better focus and cognitive functioning at school, leading to improved academic achievement.
• Yoga reduces Stress & Anxiety. Practicing yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety by relieving tension throughout the body, literally releasing the built-up negativity kids have stored within their bodies.
• Yoga teaches us how to breathe better. When we breathe deeply and fully (called pranayama) and become more aware, we can bring peacefulness or energy to our bodies.
• Yoga teaches us how to use our energy more effectively. When we practice yoga, we learn how to use the life force energy in our bodies (called prana) to feel more relaxed, focused, or motivated.
• Yoga teaches us how to improve self regulation. Self-regulation is the ability to recognise and change your behaviour , thoughts, and emotions based on the situation at hand. It help kids solve problems and adjust to new challenges, as well as help to set and achieve both short- and long-term goals.

• Yoga teaches us how to quiet the mind. When we practice yoga, we learn how to be still. This helps us to listen with attention and make good decisions.
• Yoga teaches us how to improve moods. Like any physical exercise, practicing yoga helps kids to release their negative thoughts and feelings, bring about mental clarity, and feel better about themselves. When we do something physical, such as yoga, we release endorphins, creating feelings of calm and happiness.
• Yoga teaches us about balance. When we practice yoga, we learn to be more aware about the need for balance in our lives. This could mean equal stretching on the left and right sides of our bodies or making sure we balance our very busy time with equal quiet time and relaxation.
• Yoga teaches us how to improve sleep. Practicing yoga helps kids to relieve stress by using their breathing to calm the mind and the nervous system. The physical practice of yoga also helps to relieve tension and release negative emotions held physically in the body, helping them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Yoga teaches us to be the “boss” of our bodies. Yoga teaches us to listen to our bodies by modifying or changing poses that are too hard or cause pain.
• Yoga teaches us to improve social relationships.Yoga helps to cultivate increased self-esteem, self-confidence, and empathy within kids, which translates to more positive relationships with others by reflecting their positive attitude toward themselves onto others.
• Yoga teaches us about taking care of ourselves. Yoga is a great way to move our bodies and feel healthy. And teaching children how to take care of themselves is one way to show love. As with all forms of exercise, a good yoga practice can mean a good night’s sleep!

The beauty of yoga is that children can practice alone, with a friend or with a group. Many schools are now teaching yoga to young children, and there are many choices of after-school or weekend classes for kids and their families. Everyone can enjoy yoga — from tots to great-grandparents!