In our hurry up and over scheduled world, our kiddos suffer from more stress and anxiety than ever before. Anxiety disorders are the most common of childhood disorders affecting at least 13% of America’s youth, according to The Mental Health Association of Westchester.
 

Yoga for kids reduces stress and anxiety and boosts confidence and self-esteem.

In a 2005 study of 48 fifth graders who practiced yoga, (Stueck and Gloeckner) discovered that the fifth graders became more emotionally balanced and experienced less fear, aggression, and feelings of helplessness.

Yoga fosters self-acceptance as children transition through postures and try new poses, the relationships between their mind and body evolves, allowing them to trust their instincts.

The percentage of overweight and obese children is growing at an alarming rate. Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are now our kids’ problems.

The physical benefits of yoga are plenty; improved posture, coordination, balance, strength, digestion, and flexibility. Children who practice yoga are not only better able to regulate their emotions, manage stress and calm themselves, studies now show they may also choose better foods to eat and engage in more physical activity than children who don’t practice yoga.

Kids who are already involved in sports benefit physically from yoga as well. Regular yoga practice is a great cross training activity and may help reduce the risk of injuries.

Academic performance can improve by yoga practice!

A study led by cardiologist Herbert Benson in 2000 found students who experienced one year of relaxation curriculum achieved a higher GPA along with higher marks in work habits and cooperation than students without the exposure.

ADD/ADHD is one of the most common learning disorders in our schools today. Yoga can help these kids too by teaching self-awareness, selfcontrol, and concentration and helping them control their symptoms and relieve both emotional and physical stress.

Bottom line: Yoga gets kids of all ages and abilities moving in a fun, safe, noncompetitive, non judgmental way. Yoga is the ONLY exercise for kids that can enhance flexibility, promote strength and stamina, stability, and balance, reduce stress and help with relaxation while developing creativity and imagination and boosts confidence and self esteem.

What a great gift to give your child’s mind, body, and soul!