In today's fast-paced world children face numerous pressures and challenges both academically and socially. Amidst this, finding a grounding and healthy practice like yoga can be immensely beneficial. Yoga helps to gain mastery over modification of mind. Yoga is individual consciousness and a universal concept which helps us to unite. As we all know, yoga not only increases flexibility but also has a profound impact on physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual well-being. Yoga is a versatile practice that children can enjoy and benefit from greatly. Yoga would work wonders on children for cultivating mindfulness, flexibility and attaining higher level of consciousness.
Benefits of yoga:
Physical health: Yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. It encourages children to develop body awareness and maintain a healthy weight. Regular practice can boost their overall physical health, making them stronger to injuries. It can also enhance cardiovascular health, better sleep, digestion, metabolism and helps to maintain vital energy.
Mental wellbeing: Children today often experience stress and anxiety due to academic and social pressures. Yoga provides tools for relaxation and mindfulness, helping them manage stress better. Yoga practices like breathing exercises and meditation promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety improve focus and concentration. Which in tun is beneficial in managing the pressures of school and social environments.
Emotional balance: Yoga encourages self-awareness and mindfulness, helping children understand and control their emotions. The practice can help children develop patience, empathy and a positive outlook on life. It can enhance self-esteem and a positive self-image.
Improved Concentration and Focus: The mindfulness aspect of yoga can enhance a child’s concentration and focus. This results in better performance in school and other activities involving prolonged attention. By improving focus, concentration, and memory, yoga can contribute to better academic performance. The relaxation techniques learned in yoga can also help reduce test anxiety.
Social Skills: Group yoga sessions can help children develop social skills, teamwork and a sense of community. It can also teach them compassion and respect for others.
Behavioural Benefits: Regular yoga practice can improve behaviour of children by increasing patience, reducing impulsiveness and enhancing overall self-control.
Mind- Body Connection: Yoga promotes a strong mind-body connection, teaching children to listen to their bodies and develop healthy habits early on.
Getting started with Yoga:
Create a Fun Environment: Make yoga fun by creating a playful and engaging environment. Use colourful mats, play soothing music.
Start with simple poses: Begin with basic poses that are easy for children to perform.
Practice Regularly but keep it short: Short, frequent sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for 10-15 minutes of yoga daily or a few times a week.
Involve the whole family: Encourage family participation to make yoga a bonding activity.
Focus on Breathing: Teach simple breathing exercises to help children learn how to calm their minds and bodies.
Children- Friendly yoga poses:
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): This pose helps improve balance and concentration. Have the child stand on one leg, place the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh and bring the palms together in front of the chest.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward dog pose): This pose stretches the whole body. The child forms an inverted V-shape with hands and feet on the ground and hips lifted. This pose Stimulates blood circulation and calms mind.
Balasana (Child Pose): This pose encourages relaxation and calmness. This is a restful pose where the child kneels, sits back on their heels, and stretches their arms forward on the floor.
Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose): Great for spinal flexibility, this pose involves moving the spine from a rounded position (cat) to an arched position (cow) while on hands and knees.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) : This pose strengthens core muscles, improves digestion and enhances respiratory functions. Lying face down, the child places hands under the shoulders and gently lifts the chest, imitating a cobra.
Yoga offers a holistic approach to health and wellness for children, addressing their physical, mental, and emotional needs. By making yoga fun and accessible, you can help your child develop a lifelong practice that supports their overall well-being. Start with simple poses, keep the sessions short and engaging and most importantly, ensure that the experience is enjoyable. Overall, incorporating yoga into a child's routine can contribute to holistic development, healthy and active lifestyle.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामया (Sarve Santu Niraamaya)
Let all be free from illness!
