Yoga has been integrated into many public schools and many kids are successfully practicing the traditional exercise form that promises physical and mental development of children. Toddlers and pre-schoolers especially enjoy the 15-minute programs conducted every day at schools. Yoga is known to help children acquire balance at many levels and perform better.
Benefits of Starting Early
Yoga slows down the aging process by increasing an enzyme called telomerase in our body. The various poses help children gain strength, flexibility and balance. It also helps in decreasing anxiety and depression and improving concentration. Regular practice of Yoga gives kids the ability to still their minds, whenever they want and make them more self-aware.
What do the studies say?
Leipzig University’s study of Yoga benefits for children highlighted that regular practice reduced aggression and made the children more self-confident. A Wall Street Journal article titled, “Namaste. Now Nap Time”, elucidated a 2003 study by California State University of 405 K-8 children. As per the reports, the findings showed that, “yoga improved student’s behavior, physical health and academic performance.” It also revealed that practicing yoga greatly improved kids’ attitude towards themselves.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School researchers conducted a study involving two groups of teenagers where one of the teenagers’ group practiced Kripalu yoga during their PE classes for ten weeks, and the other group didn’t. The researchers tested the teens’ psychological wellness before and after study. The teens practicing yoga scored higher wellness scores than the non-practicing yoga kids.
Keeping Kids Entertained
Barking like a dog while doing the downward dog pose or roaring like a lion while doing the lion pose entertains pre-schoolers and gets them interested in yoga. Also, the various postures help them to test the flexibility of their bodies and make them more agile. As kids grow older, yoga becomes a form of exercise to keep their body toned and for peace of mind as well.
Yoga and Kids’ Upbringing
Yoga is beneficial for kids as it helps them deal with emotional, social and physical challenges and conflicts. Yoga routine for kids includes breathing exercises, physical postures and behavioral guidelines that contribute towards the child’s overall development. It enhances kids’ physical flexibility, refines balance and coordination, boosts self-esteem, helps develop focus and strengthens mind-body connection.
