Yoga has become quite usual for adults in recent years. Everyone seems to be doing yoga these days - from celebrities to professional athletes and everyone in between. But have we ever considered sharing the practice with our children? Yoga can benefit kids significantly, and in some ways, possibly even more so than it nourishes adults. Here are just some of these benefits.
Builds a non-competitive spirit-
In today’s highly competitive world, children are told so much about being the best and achieving the most. But, not all children enjoy the competitive nature. Yoga practice does not focus on levels of ability, winning or even being better than the person next to you. Rather, it encourages you to be the best you can be. Yoga is great for children who don’t thrive in competitive environments.
Teaches self-acceptance-
The way yoga teaches kids to be non-competitive, likewise it teaches them to embrace who they are and arms them with the tools to fight off the increasing feelings of self-doubt that come during the teen years and beyond.
Namaste, Acceptance of others-
Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Therefore, namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you." The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. Yoga teaches acceptance and tolerance of others. In practicing yoga, kids learn early in life that all living beings are to be cherished and respected as they are, thus helping to create more peaceful local communities and a more peaceful world in our future.
Promotes a healthy body-
In yoga, there are poses that stretch, strengthen and build body coordination. Thus, a regular practice of yoga helps to promote a healthier body and also reduces the risk of injury during other physical activity.
Improves concentration-
Kids today are unable to focus on anything for any decent extent of time. Yoga helps them focus. The act of practicing breathing exercises & poses encourages children to clear their mind and focus on the effort. As a result of this, they can concentrate in school and get better grades, several studies note.
Teaches calming techniques-
Yoga is meditative by nature. So whether a child is sitting in meditation, balancing a pose or is moving through a series of postures, there's going to be a calming, soothing quality.
It Strengthens the Mind-Body Connection-
Yoga helps kids achieve a sound mind in a sound body by exercising the physical body and calming the mental spirit. When children learn to accept and love themselves for who they are, to see the good in others, to focus and calm their minds, and to be aware of their innate capabilities, they learn tools for resilience.
10 Asanas that must be performed by Kids-
1. Sukhasana: Improves body posture and calms mind.
2. Tadasana: Good for balance, keeps the spine straight and erect, helps in height increase.
3. Vriksasana: Helps in improving body balance and brings more alertness.
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana: Stretches the entire body and increases energy level.
5. Dhanurasana: Good for developing concentration and self-confidence in children.
6. Sethubandhasana: Strengthens the core.
7. Bhujangasana: Increases flexibility and helps in relieving back.
8. Virbhadrasana: Improves focus and strengthens shoulders.
9. Ardhasarwangasana: It strenghthens core muscles and improves flexibility.
10. Savasana: It helps to relax by bringing deep meditative state of rest and de-stress kids.