What are the benefits of yoga for kids

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In todays world, children are overwhelmed by overstimulation of the media, our information saturated, busy and hectic culture and life style- it pulls their attention and splitting it and it becomes too much for their young mind to absorb. 

Through the use of yoga, story telling and play including mindfulness activities such as breathing, we give our children the tools to be settled and calm in being where there are and appreciating who they are and the differences with others, they learn how to be self aware and how to self regulate. 

Yoga helps children with their body coordination, balance and physical control. Yoga poses and games involves varied poses and movements that help develop flexibility, strength, balance and contribute to improved large motor skills.

 When a child practices yoga, they move in various poses that helps their body to lengthen and it strengthen their muscles  and joints and be flexible. It helps their body become stronger to do other demanding sports that requires more stamina. 

Other benefits includes ;

• Increases circulation and the uptake of oxygen into the body
• strengthen motor development on both sides of the body
• improves digestion 
• strengthen the immune system
• relaxes the body thus encouraging better sleep
• Improves brainpower

Practicing yoga movement and poses and repeating them through memory allows the brain to make new connections (neuroplasticity- the brains ability to reorganize it's structure, functions and connections in response to experiences and learning). This also includes story telling and children repeating the story, and learning a new language or learning to ride a bike. 

Studies shows that yoga;

• relieves tension and stress in children
• promotes thinking and boost memory
• brings a child to the present moment, connected to where he is and what he is doing.
• calms the mind and feel balanced
• help expands a child's imagination and creativity 
• balances high/low energy levels
• reduces anxiety 
• be more in control of their emotions ( able to self regulate )
• be more mindful of their reaction to others 

Yoga practices helps children to be confident and comfortable in their own body. This in turn will help them to connect easily with others in a more peaceful and positive way.

Today, anti-bullying and character education are popular topics for schools. Yoga and mindfulness education are being incorporated in schools to address this concern. Yoga promotes a sense of connectedness to others as well as;

• helps a child to be confident of his abilities 
• supports social and emotional learning
• helps a child to be part of a team and work within a community
• helps a child to make use of his or her own creative genius
• helps a child to be stable and balance when faced with difficult circumstances or challenges 
• helps a child to relax whenever he or she feels stress or anxious (self regulate)