The hectic lifestyles that we have created for ourselves, coupled with the polluted atmosphere around us – all seep into children’s psyches at an early age. During these years of growing up, by nature, the mind is in a continuous mode of exploration, learning, and growth. This natural process is sometimes interrupted by stress from grades, pressure to compete academically or athletically, and overextending their schedule for extracurricular activities.
While it is important to continuously measure how the children cope with these and possibly decrease their load, it is also important to undo some of these stresses. Yoga incorporates mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional well-being – into a perfect tool for interactive learning for children.
- When kids are taught special techniques and Asanas from yoga it helps them develop better body awareness, mental awareness, self-control, flexibility, and coordination – helping them through everyday life’s challenges.
- Practicing yoga postures at an early age enhances flexibility, strength, concentration, and a heightened sense of body, mental, and spiritual awareness. And it brings feelings of serenity – which helps bodies balance hormone levels naturally. This is useful, especially for girls who often find that they suffer fewer cramps and pain during their menstrual period when they regularly practice asanas.
- It helps children to feel better physically and mentally; although it may be difficult at times to understand the connection between one’s physical body and their emotional state. But, many children find Yoga helpful, feeling more connected with themselves and the world that surrounds them.
- Besides helping people relax and de-stress, yoga can also help those suffering from ADHD or attention-related conditions. Those who suffer from these conditions often become restless and may become distracted. Yoga may help in channeling these distractions into a productive and positive path.
- Focusing on oneself for a few minutes every day gives children an opportunity to clear their minds of all the noise from outside sources that would otherwise plague their thoughts. This allows them to recognize what they are feeling deep down and learn how to control their thoughts. This change could make children feel more confident in who they are and how they see things; as well as gain a sense of balance when it comes to life at large.
- It is normal for teenagers to go through phases of intense emotions and hormone changes which leads them to behave impulsively in ways that can potentially harm themselves. However, yoga has been proven to increase their self-control in situations that can be harmful to them emotionally or physically.
While adults everywhere are increasingly adopting yoga as a means to achieve balance and well-being in life, the effectiveness of this mindful practice when it comes to helping kids learn and develop is often underestimated.
Introducing yoga at an early age can yield tremendous benefits for children: they learn and adapt far quicker than adults do. Being aware of their own body and mind helps them grow into more balanced and empathetic humans who can manage difficult situations without getting overwhelmed while strengthening themselves physically and mentally for what may come next.
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