When my now six-year-old daughter was barely old enough to walk, we practiced yoga together in our living room. Actually, I practiced yoga while she climbed on and under me like a cuddly jungle gym. As she grew, my daughter maintained her love of yoga and now aspires to become a yoga teacher. While I love how I feel when maintaining a regular practice, I also appreciate the many benefits my daughter receives by doing yoga. This ancient art holds numerous benefits for kids, and with names like Mountain, Tree, and Cobra, your little ones will have a ball striking a pose.
Yoga Reduces Stress
Yoga helps children reduce stress. Adults aren’t the only ones affected by our increasingly fast pace lives. Children can become stressed by too many activities and a calendar full of playdates. Practicing yoga helps children increase calm and decrease anxiety.
Yoga Builds Self-Esteem
A regular yoga practice increases a child’s self esteem by creating better body awareness. Yoga teaches a child how their body operates, how to breathe properly, and how to use their body effectively. This knowledge builds a child’s appreciation of their body. Practicing yoga with the same group regularly can also foster friendships and a sense of community. This sense of community and belonging nurtures a child’s self-esteem.
Yoga Builds Strength
Yoga helps children build physical strength and flexibility. A regular yoga practice is especially beneficial for children with developmental challenges. In addition, yoga stretches the body and creates better alignment.
Yoga Balances the Brain
Practicing yoga helps balance brain chemistry and links the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Balanced brain chemistry increases motivation and helps develop a positive outlook on life. Additionally, a regular yoga practice can balance an overactive nervous system.
Doing yoga with your child or encouraging them to attend a kids yoga class is beneficial in a number of ways. Yoga calms children and helps relieve stress, helps a child maintain a positive self image and appreciation for their body, builds strength and flexibility, and balances the brain. So, the next time you do Sunrise Salutation or Warrior 1, remember to invite your little one to practice with you.
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This article was originally published at www.AsanteGeorge.com