The Benefits of Yoga for Children

The benefits and popularity of yoga amongst adults is well established, however, there is evidence that a growing number of children have taken to this practise in recent years. Whether introduced by a parent to their child, at a studio or part of the physical educational curriculum at school, the combination of movement and mindfulness becomes the ideal activity that that is at once both playful and interactive.

Some of the incredible mental and physical benefits include:

• It makes physical activity fun and promotes relaxation. As children are introduced to the various animal and nature poses, it assists in growing their awareness of the natural world and animal kingdom. Imitating them gives them the opportunity to learn about the world they live, their relation and interdependence on it and a greater appreciation for all life;

 

• Assists with balance/co-ordination, flexibility and strength. As balance and flexibility are vital when holding a posture, coming into and holding poses helps them develop a sense of accomplishment on which to build as their practise grows. Even falling out of poses helps them learn to be strong mentally and encourages them to try again. Results from a study in Brazil have shown an improvement in motor skills of children between 6-8 years old. Consistent and sustained practise has shown to increase and maintain strength.

 

• It Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence. Consistent practise helps improve their overall well-being and to regulate their emotions. It can assist with depression and to offset the negative expectations of social media. Learning to master poses helps them with perseverance towards mastering their goals and when they succeed it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. This extends to improved academic performance as well.

 

• Reduces stress and anxiety and boosts immunity. Both yoga and meditation have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost a child’s immunity, both in the short and long term. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety which affect a considerable number of children faced with school, social, parental or other pressures. These stressors which also inhibit a child’s ability to remember things, when reduced, help improve memory thus aiding them academically.

 

• Encourages healthy eating and better sleep. This form of movement helps put children in the right frame of mind for making better choices in terms of food by increasing their fruit and vegetable intake and reducing the consumption of snacks, takeaways and high sugar content drinks. Research done on children with eating disorders has shown reductions in anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia without impacting their weight in a negative way. Yoga has been shown to have a positive impact on sleep which is important for those who may be prone to sleep disorders.

 

• Encourages empathy and compassion. Children who practise yoga have been shown to demonstrate greater empathy both in school and beyond. There is also an increased awareness of themselves in relation to the world around them and a positive inclination to improve their community.

 

• Strengthens the Mind-Body connection. Yoga is the perfect way in which to introduce children to mindfulness and living in the present moment. Not only are they moving their physical body but in doing so they are achieving a calmer mental state. Yoga functions as an outlet for the pressures they are placed under (school, social, parental) and builds their resilience in the process making them better able to deal with them mentally, physically and spiritually.

 

• Increases physical fitness. Yoga not only improves a child’s fitness in general but improves their strength and flexibility, muscular endurance, their cardiopulmonary fitness as well as their BMI. It also teaches them how to control their breathing which in turn helps manage their emotions, feelings and thoughts. This is hugely beneficial for those suffering with asthma and studies have shown that those practising have better control and reduced symptoms as a result.

 

• Low cost and easily accessible to all. Unlike other school sports, yoga is low cost requiring no equipment and can be done anywhere. There is a wealth of content that can be accessed online for both parents and children to enjoy together or individually. The latter can have a very positive effect on the parent-child relationship as well by allowing children to bond and have fun with their parents in a meaningful way.

 

• Benefits children with special needs, specifically those with autism and ADHD. In relation to autism, it has been shown to reduce aggressive behaviour, improve socialisation and ability to be in close proximity to adults and to sit for longer periods. It also helps with improving their poor motor co-ordination and strengthens self-regulation. In terms of ADHD, the benefits include, reduced impulsiveness, hyperactivity and anxiety. Children themselves have reported improvements in their concentration, attentiveness and focus.

Considering the competitive world that we live in and the fast pace of our own lives as well as that of our children, introducing children to yoga from a young age is a great way to introduce them to techniques that they can carry through into adulthood to enhance and maintain their health and well-being.