At Holiday academy we have yoga for children with the talented Anita Looby. We have all heard about the advantages form yoga, but what makes yoga classes different from other activities and how do children benefit from yoga?
Yoga is an ancient science which helps to create health and well-being by building awareness, strength and flexibility in the mind, body and spirit. What is unique to yoga, compared to other activities, is that yoga has no age limit and yoga postures (asanas) are practiced by people of all ages. Yoga for kids is a fun way for children to develop important skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Another aspect that differentiates yoga from other physical activities for children is that it teaches respect and honour, for our self, for each other and the environment around us. But most importantly: it is fun!
There are five key areas where children benefit from the practice of Yoga:
Physical Flexibility
Yoga promotes physical strength and kids learn to use all of their muscles in new ways as yoga poses challenges various muscle groups, whether it is standing, sitting or laying down. These poses will help children become aware of their body and how it functions.
Balance and Coordination
Balance is one of the key elements of yoga. Balancing poses were created to promote mental and physical poise but also mental clarity and stability. Coordination is also closely tied to balance and promotes overall dexterity.
Focus and Concentration
Practicing Yoga poses encourages children to clear their mind and focus on what they are doing right now. As a result, yoga helps children to focus and concentrate in school and achieve better grades.
Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence
Yoga helps to instill confidence as a yoga teacher can only provide guidance, it is the child that has to do work to succeed. Therefore, when a child masters a pose it will give them confidence and self-esteem. This also teaches children to be patient and work towards their goals.
It Strengthens the Mind-Body Connection
Yoga exercises the body but also calms the mental spirit which helps kids achieve a sound mind and body. Even at a young age children can feel pressure at school, academically and socially, and/or pressure from competitive organised sport. Yoga functions as a release that alleviates these pressures and acts as a foundation to nurture and develop a resilient and resourceful body, mind and spirit. This nourishing atmosphere encourages children to relax and have fun while they develop not only strength, coordination, flexibility and balance, but also body awareness, breathing awareness, better focus and concentration, and self confidence
Yoga is beneficial to children of all ages and it helps children concentrate focus better on their activities during the day, and pay attention to their tasks. It encourages self-esteem and body awareness, it also fosters cooperation and compassion. By practising yoga children will connect more with their inner self and be more self-aware. Book your Holiday Academy Yoga classes here.
Hope to see you soon!
References:
www.yogajournal.com By Marsha Wenig
www.rainbiwkidsyoga.net By Gopala Amir Yaffe