Elena Jutai, ND
Children’s yoga is becoming increasingly popular and recognized amongst healthcare providers and physical educators involved in school programming because of its ability to promote balance in a child’s mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being.
Unfortunately, most school programming places emphasis on grades and intellectual ability, rather than important life skills like stress management, which coincidentally has an effect on a child’s ability to learn and retain information.
As a yoga teacher I have seen the value of incorporating yoga into school programming, especially in the context of children who deal with stressors, trauma, abuse, anxiety, learning disabilities, as well as the emotional impact of bullying.
How yoga can help
Yoga is a mind-body practice that facilitates improved concentration, self-control, and healthy coping mechanisms. Yoga has been shown to promote stress reduction and improved self-control in vulnerable youth and therefore helps create a healthy emotional climate that is conducive for learning.1
Review of literature
The Evidenced-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal published a systematic review of yoga-based interventions exclusively in school settings. They found that yoga interventions improved children’s mood indicators, tension and anxiety, self-esteem, and memory.2
A happy, healthy, and confident child that can create their own sense of calm is a child that is set up for success, not only in school, but in life.
One of the number one things you can do for your child as a parent is to promote a healthy and calm learning environment.
5 YOGA POSES FOR AN A+ CHILD
Tree Pose
Downward Dog
Cat and Cow
Child’s Pose
Happy Baby
References:
- Ramadoss R., Bose B. Transformative life skills: pilot studies of a 6. yoga model for reducing perceived stress and improving self-control in vulnerable youth.International Journal of Yoga Therapy.2010;20:75–80.
- C. Ferreira-Vorkapic, J. M. Feitoza, M. Marchioro, J. Simões, E. Kozasa, and S. Telles. Are There Benefits from Teaching Yoga at Schools? A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials of Yoga-Based Interventions. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015, Article ID 345835, 17 pages, 2015. doi:10.1155/2015/345835.