Healthy life with yoga

                                Healthy life with yoga

There is no competition

From an early age, children can begin to feel pressure to perform academically, formalise friendships and interact more socially. Add in extra-curricular activities such as competitive sports or graded music lessons and the list of demands increases.

Yoga offers the opportunity for children to develop skills in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Children can let go in yoga knowing that they are not being compared to each other, they’re not striving for grades, to be a part of the ‘in’ crowd, to win the race and there is no need to get the perfect pose.

A real confidence booster

As children grow so quickly and their bodies change rapidly, yoga can teach them a sense of body awareness.  Coming in and out of poses, they are taught to be mindful and respectful of what feels good and what doesn’t and not to push past this or force the effort.

Coming from sitting all day in a class room, the children can come to yoga and, as they relax into the movement they are unknowingly building strength and developing their sense of coordination, flexibility, and balance with improved focus and concentration. 

Freedom of expression

A kids yoga class offers a safe space for children to express their emotions and also to be creative without fear of judgment.

Increased focus and concentration

Kids yoga nurtures improved focus and concentration through mindfulness, meditation and breathing exercises made fun. Children become more respectful to each other and their peers and so the benefits are not only physical. Mentally, the practice is grounding and calming also - all reasons why more and more schools are introducing yoga to the curriculum.

Enhances relationships

The interaction that occurs during a kids yoga class is so special to observe as you see the children become aware of each other, help each other and work together. Kids yoga encourages compassion, generosity, and respect along with cooperation and teamwork. The teacher may weave a theme throughout the class which helps expand awareness of the environment in which they live in and shares with animals and nature.

Encourages self-care and relaxation

How many of us really regularly dedicate time to recharge the batteries? I mean, really, regularly. Self-care, relaxation and mindful moments are essential for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. This is relevant for children as well as adults. 

Yoga for kids teaches children self-care and relaxation techniques to help them to deal with little challenges that may arise in their lives. By learning how the breath can be used as a calming tool during stressful and anxious moments, children learn how to cope in difficult times from an early age.