Why Kids Need Yoga as Much as We Do

Why Kids Need Yoga as Much as We Do

Why Kids Need Yoga as Much as We Do

Yoga has tons of benefits, both physical and mental, that adults can enjoy. However, yoga can also be a fantastic physical outlet for kids and a great way for them to develop mental awareness and emotional coping strategies. Yoga can help kids learn to enjoy exercise, help them build strength and flexibility, support healthy lifestyle habits, and help them beat stress.

Here’s why regular yoga for kids and parents is a great habit to build!

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient Indian form of activity and meditation that focuses on certain movements and poses as well breathing techniques. Yoga poses are known as asanas and are often repeated in a sequence or flow. This is the main type of yoga we generally associated with modern practice and is often used to maintain physical fitness.

Breathwork is yoga is known as pranayama and is often performed as a method of meditation to focus the mind. It is popular as a modern relaxation technique and has been shown to have amazing effects, such as decreasing stress and anxiety and lowering blood pressure in adults. Although kids might have trouble sitting still through long pranayama sessions, incorporating both sides of the practice into yoga for kids and parents can have great results.

How to Start Yoga for Kids and Parents?

The best way to get into yoga is to find a class nearby or sign up for one online. You might be surprised to learn that yoga classes exist for all ages. Once you start looking, you will be able to find yoga classes for parents and infants and yoga classes designed for older kids. Yoga can also be extremely beneficial for adolescents and can help them manage stress.

Once you’ve found yoga for kids beginners class, it’s a good idea to sit in on the first session if you yourself aren’t also doing yoga. You should also ensure that the yoga teacher is certified. Most yoga classes provide mats but if you also want to practice at home, you can buy your own. As said Evelyn Harper, an expert on Top Mom, a pack and play mattress is a great option as they are portable and easy to clean.

Yoga For Kids: Benefits

So, why do yoga with kids? Really, there are tons of reasons! Here are just a few of our favorites:

1.     Relaxation

It’s easy to forget but kids often have busy schedules too. With the pressures of school and after-school activities, kids also need time to unwind. Yoga is a safe environment for kids to relax, burn off some energy, and use their bodies in a new way. Look for yoga classes that build in things like dancing, singing, and play and your little ones are sure to have a blast!

2.     Mental Focus

Modern technology and portable devices mean that kids have a lot of mental stimulation from day to day. This can cause them to feel restless or distracted when asked to concentrate or sit still. Meditation in kid’s yoga practice can help children learn how to quiet their minds in a way that is appropriate for their age and energy level.

3.     Promotes Physical Health

If children are not naturally drawn to competitive sports, they may struggle to find physical activities that they enjoy. Yoga is non-competitive and promotes a healthy and compassionate attitude to the body. Yoga sessions do not require participants to force themselves into poses but encourage people to develop strength and flexibility at their own pace. This is a great option for kids who struggle to get interested in physical activities and will promote healthy habits and healthy bones and muscles.

4.     Gives Kids Confidence

Yoga is creative and exploratory and encourages participants to move into new positions and create new shapes with the body. This encourages mental flexibility as it pushes practitioners out of their comfort zone and makes learning something new part of the fun. Some fun yoga for kids poses to start with include holds like downward dog, tree pose, and bridge pose. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can feel free to play and explore.

Conclusion

Yoga is a great thing for both kids and parents to practice. From helping you to balance your mind, to building confidence, the benefits are limitless. Find an online yoga tutorial and start practicing today!

Final Call: Do you practice yoga yourself? Have you ever experimented with yoga for kids or family yoga? Share your experiences in the comments!

Author’s Bio: Rachel H. is a freelancer, blogger, and family health practitioner. She runs kid’s movement classes that encourage engagement from both kids and parents to promote a healthy body and mind. She lives and works in California.

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