Yoga is very beneficial to children in many ways. Because children encounter emotional, social, and physical challenges or conflicts, a dedicated and intentional yoga practice that includes breathing techniques, behavioural guidelines, and physical postures can be incredibly valuable for them. Yoga is something children can practice anywhere and that the breathing, the concentration, the poses, and the way kids learn to act or react to situations, will lead to constant self-discovery and inquisitiveness. Plus, yoga is portable, and no mat, special clothing, or special pillow are absolutely necessary. Yoga builds self-esteem and self-respect. Yoga practise for children is a rare opportunity to experience play and focus without worrying about being wrong. Yoga is an option for children who shy away from physical activity or group activities for fear of failure or being picked last, and it helps athletic children excel in other physical activities and sports. Yoga introduces cornerstone values, such as non-harming, truthfulness, moderation, cleanliness, gratitude, and self-discipline.” There are five key areas where kids benefit from the practice of yoga, and each of them improves their overall well-being.
It Enhances Physical Flexibility
Yoga promotes physical strength because kids learn to use all of their muscles in new ways. Whether a pose is done standing, sitting, or lying down, each one can challenge various muscle groups while helping a child become aware of his body and how it efficiently functions.
It Refines Balance and Coordination
Balance is a key element of yoga. Balancing poses were created to promote mental and physical poise, as mental clarity and stability emerge from the effort of trying the poses. Even if a child has difficulty standing on one foot, they learn mental and physical balance if they can stay calm if they end up falling and trying again. As children learn to improve their physical balance, they will be filled with a sense of accomplishment. Coordination is also closely tied to balance and promotes overall dexterity.
It Develops Focus and Concentration
The act of practicing poses encourages children to clear their mind and focus on the effort. As a result of this single focus to achieve a particular pose or stay balanced, yoga helps children to focus and concentrate in school and get better grades, several studies note.
It Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence
Yoga helps to give confidence and to bring learning to children on an experiential level. It helps to provide building blocks for the future. Yoga teaches them to persevere, be patient, and work toward their goals. A yoga teacher can only offer guidance; it is the child who has to work to succeed. Therefore, when a child masters a pose, it gives them confidence and self-esteem. Yoga can be like prehabilitation – a proactive action to ward off instability or sickness; yoga also provides tools for practicing compassion, mindfulness, focus, strength and flexibility.
It Strengthens the Mind-Body Connection
Yoga helps kids achieve a sound mind in a sound body by exercising the physical body and calming the mental spirit. Since the modern world moves very, very fast for children, it’s not long before they feel all kinds of pressure (personal, parental, social) to keep up with everyone around them. Yoga functions as a release valve that alleviates pressure and as a foundation to nurture and develop a resilient and resourceful body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga is beneficial to children of all ages, but it has been found to be particularly so for kids with special needs. Studies have shown that yoga benefits children with autism and ADHD. Yoga for this cohort of children reduces aggressive behaviour, social withdrawal, and hyperactivity. Yoga is effective for special needs because it plays to the strengths of kids with autism, while also reducing stress. Children who have practiced yoga frequently tell teachers and parents that they are able to concentrate better during the day, focus better on their activities, and pay attention to their tasks — all the finest endorsements.
Our physiotherapist Vivienne instructs the Children’s Yoga every Thursday at 4:30pm. Contact us on 046 9002982 if you would like to come along and experience the benefits.
Yours in Health
Body Balance Physiotherapy