Yoga is a discipline and a way of life. Yoga is all-inclusive, which means that there are yoga poses for kids as well. Starting yoga asanas and mindfulness practice at any time in our lives has its benefits. There are especially many benefits of yoga for kids.
Kids today also have their own challenges to resolve. Practicing yoga and mindfulness promotes their well-being and relaxation as well. Children under 12 years of age should NOT practice Pranayama; however, children over 12 years of age can practice all Pranayamas. Yoga and Mindfulness has lots of benefits to offer to growing kids -
Physical Health and Emotional Well-being
Kids who practice yoga regularly can build and manage physical and emotional strength, flexibility, and balance. Due to the low-impact nature of yoga, developing kids can also get support in learning their motor skills. Asanas such as Yogendra Talasana (the Palm Tree Pose), Yogendra Utkatasana (the Upraised Pose), Yogendra Shalabasana (the Locust Pose), and Pranayamas such as Yogendra Pranayama 2 (Intercostal Breathing) and Yogendra Pranayama 3 (Clavicular Breathing) help find physical and emotional balance and resilience.
Mindfulness and the Art of Being Present
Yoga is mindfulness; it teaches us awareness and the art of being in the present. Kids who practice mindfulness can take responsibility for their actions, generate a good moral compass, and develop higher emotional intelligence. They can manage their own emotions as well as those of others. This helps reduce their stress and anxiety in all aspects of their lives. Asanas such as Yogendra Parvatasana (the Mountain Pose) and Yogendra Nataprarthanasana (the Kneeling Pr ayer Pose), and Pranayama such as Yogendra Pranayama 1 (Equal Breathing) help in being mindful and present, and help in developing emotional strength.
Focus, Concentration, and Clarity
Yoga helps kids find focus and improve concentration. Today many children find it difficult to focus on their tasks and often feel distracted and hyperactive. Practicing yoga regularly helps them realign and find clarity and balance within. Asanas such as Yogendra Ekpadasana (the One-Legged Pose), Yogendra Garudasana (the Eagle Pose), Yogendra Trikonasana (the Triangle Pose), Yogendra Konasana (the Angle Pose), Yogendra Vakrasana (the Curve Pose), Yogendra Pavanamuktasana (the Air-Free Pose), and Pranayamas such as Yogendra Pranayama 9 (Anuloma Viloma or alternate nostril breathing) and Yogendra Pranayama 8 (Rechaka or prolonged exhalation) help in finding clarity, focus, and building concentration.
Self-confidence, Self-acceptance, and Body Positivity
Practicing yoga and mindfulness encourages a positive self-image. Practicing asanas and breathing techniques, children can get in touch with their bodies and minds. Asanas such as Yogendra Bhujangasana (the Cobra Pose), Yogendra Ushtrasana (the Camel Pose), Yogendra Matsyasana (the Fish Pose), and Yogendra Yashtikasana (the Stick Pose) help in being more aware of the body. Pranayamas such as Yogendra Pranayama 1 (Equal Breathing) and Yogendra Pranayama 9 (Anuloma Viloma or alternate nostril breathing) help in feeling more confident within the body.
Sense of Duty and Discipline
A sense of discipline is important for the complete development of a child. Practicing yoga as a discipline, with a sense of duty towards self, family, and society, helps in building character and shaping the child to be a responsible individual. Asanas such as Yogendra Sthithaprarthanasana (the Prayer Pose) and Yogendra Virasana (the Hero Pose), and Pranayamas such as Yogendra Pranayama Ujjayi (Victorious Breath) help in feeling the sense of duty and discipline within.
Relaxing and Calming
Children today have to deal with an immense amount of stress, whether it is with exams or social issues such as peer pressure. Conscious relaxation is vital for everyone, as anyone can face some stress every day. We underestimate the amount of stress that children deal with, which may sometimes be seen in escaping behaviors such as watching TV or playing on electronics, instead of being present and dealing with the stresses. Asanas such as Yogendra Makarasana (the Crocodile Pose), Yogendra Shavasana (the Corps e Pose), and Yogendra Dhradasana (the Firm Pose) help in consciously relaxing physically as well as emotionally. Pranayamas that can help in relaxing the mind and body are Yogendra Pranayama 4 (Diaphragmatic Breathing), Yogendra Pranayama 5 (Shunyaka or prolonged suspension), and Yogendra Pranayama Brahmari (Bee Breath).
There are many other techniques that yoga recommends to increase mindfulness in individuals. Children can write gratitude journals or simple journals to note down their thoughts or reflect on the happenings of the day. Nature walks, walking on grass, or sky gazing are incredible ways to feel grounded and be aware of the present. Mindfulness can also be practiced and expressed through art, which is a wonderful way for children to pay attention to any thoughts or sensations that may arise. Guided meditations are a good way to increase concentration and focus, as well as relax the child. Simply observing the breath is a great way for the child to reduce anxiety and be self-aware.
Yoga poses for kids are the best ways to engage the child while also reaping various benefits. The many benefits of yoga for kids grow exponentially when parents also involve themselves in all of these activities.