Have you ever wondered about the possible benefits of
introducing yoga practice to your children?
Yoga provides some significant
support and outlets for children. Here are just a few benefits to consider:
Yoga teaches self-acceptance. Yoga provides children an
opportunity to learn something that is non-competitive. It also teaches kids to
accept and appreciate themselves as they are. In a world where society is sending
so many messages of inadequacy, yoga can teach kids to love themselves.
Yoga encourages healthy habits. Starting
any exercise
program in childhood helps children maintain a physically active and
healthy
lifestyle. Yoga takes this a bit further by teaching not only healthy
habits but also a healthy approach to calm oneself and focus the mind.
Yoga teaches Focus. We live in a world full of distractions and children
have a more difficult time focusing on anything for any decent length of time.
Yoga can help! It teaches children to be present and to concentrate and focus
on their breathing.
Yoga teaches calming techniques. Many young children deal
with frustration typically by crying or throwing tantrums. When they learn healthy
breathing techniques and tools to focus the mind, they will be able to apply
these tools in their everyday lives and react age appropriately to any
situation.
Yoga supports positive mental health in children. When
children learn to accept and love themselves for who they are, to see the good
in others, to focus and calm their minds, and to be aware of their unique
abilities, they learn tools for resiliency. They will be more likely to have a
positive and optimistic outlook on life, and will hopefully be less likely to develop
anxiety, depression or other mental health issues that are becoming prevalent
today.
