Yoga is the most popular mind body technique practiced worldwide today. Yoga can be practiced by any age groups according to their capacity. It is an age old practice invented by the great Indian sages to uplift the human being from the suffering. Incorporating Yoga practice in day to day life results in an integrated development of a person i.e. personality development at physical, mental and emotional levels. Introducing yoga to children will have physical and psychological benefits. Asana, Pranayama, Relaxation, Dharana (focusing), Mindfulness are the practices most suitable for children.
Yoga practices can be started from the age of 7 to 8 years in healthy children. According to Yoga philosophy human being is not just the physical entity, he is the combination of more subtle areas like the energy, mind, intellect and bliss. There should be a balanced functioning at all these areas of human existence. Yogic practices enhance this balance at all levels.
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Yoga is a popular mind-body technique practiced worldwide, suitable for people of all ages. It was developed by Indian sages to alleviate suffering and promotes integrated development at physical, mental, and emotional levels. Introducing yoga to children can have physical and psychological benefits, and practices such as asanas, pranayama, relaxation, and mindfulness are particularly suitable. Yoga helps improve muscle flexibility, physical fitness, concentration, sleep, and mood in children, making it a valuable addition to school curricula and a tool to unlock their hidden potentials.
Asanas are the physical practices which can be done by children very easily as they are very flexible. Younger children should be taught in a playful manner. Resemblance of yoga postures with animals, birds, mountains and trees will create an enthusiasm in children to learn these poses. A story can be played in group practices of Yoga. Maintaining an erect posture is important for growing children to enhance their attention and concentration.
Pranayama or Breathing techniques are the next level of practices to balance the energy system. Proper breathing technique has to be taught to the children. Training them for deep and slow breathing increases the efficiency of respiratory system. Different breathing techniques like mindful breathing, abdominal breathing, tiger breathing and rabbit breathing are some practices to keep their focus. Along with the enhanced gaseous exchange in the tissues deep breathing also relaxes the mind, maintains emotional stability, increases concentration and creativity.
Due to the growing technology children have access to so many resources to gather knowledge. Over use of these resources has resulted in overstimulation of the senses. This has created a hyperactive mind which is quite opposite to that achieved by Yoga. Children face the problem of reduced attention and focus. Reduced physical activity has resulted in excess weight gain and other associated health problems.
Teaching children the art of relaxation is an important practice to restore their mental abilities and also to reduce the stress of day today living. Multiple challenges faced by the parents can be addressed by introducing yoga practices at the school level.
General benefits of Yoga practices to children:
- Yoga increases muscle flexibility and strength
- Makes the children physically fit.
- Builds a positive body image.
- Relaxes the body and mind.
- Keeps the gut healthy.
- Improves concentration and attention span.
- Deepens the breathing process.
- Improves sleep.
- Children feel energetic throughout the day.
- Improves mood and self-regulatory skills.
- Improves academic performance.
Increased awareness about the benefits of Yoga in children has resulted in implementing Yoga in school curriculum. Every child has a unique skill. Yoga becomes a tool to explore the hidden potentials in children and helps in their integral development.