Why Children Need Yoga Now More Than Ever
Now more than ever, it is imperative we offer opportunities for young children and adolescents to learn how to connect with themselves and their unique abilities within their mind and body. Children today face daily stressors, expectations, and pressures from their family systems, peers, and authority figures. There is an emphasis on how children perform, how they are measured, and what they are achieving. Not only do children face societal pressure, but they are inundated by technology and social media which impacts how they view themselves and others around them. In a culture where parents are determined to offer their children the best care and support, we must look at yoga as one of the most impactful practices that can transform a child’s life and development.
Yoga is a practice that can benefit one’s life through body awareness, breath-centering, and holistic healing. Although yoga is usually marketed to adults through fancy studios that offer physical practice classes, we mustn't overlook the age group that could benefit most. Yoga is beneficial, no matter what age you begin. But it is also most impactful from the moment you begin to learn the physical asanas (poses) and pranayama techniques (breathing practices) and how they pair together. It is as if you are breathing life into the body and acknowledging the vital role “the self” plays in incorporating this practice into daily life.
Children can be seen as physical beings with a mind like a sponge, soaking up everything they encounter and interact with on a day-to-day experience. It would be such a missed opportunity not to allow these young spirits to have the chance to incorporate the fundamental elements of yoga into their conscious being. Not only does yoga provide a physical practice that fuels the body with strength, balance, and flexibility, but it also provides a landscape for emotional regulation, concentration, focus, and stress relief. We want to give children the necessary tools for creating an embodied life experience while dealing with the complicated challenges they may be subjected to.
Yoga is not a cure-all that takes stress away, but it is a practice that can help one cope with what they are met with. Breath awareness and breathing exercises work to activate the parasympathetic nervous system that allows the body to “rest and digest”. Many children and adolescents feel stress and anxiety through the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” response. Moreover, if someone is subjected to trauma or a complicated life event, they may find themselves in a dorsal vagal shutdown which is the “freeze” response. The practice of yoga can help one get out of “fight, flight, or freeze” and additionally bring clarity and ease to their mind and body. It is imperative we teach young children and adolescents how to bring their bodies and minds back to an even playing field.
Further, yoga allows for freedom of expression and creativity. There are many, many different sequences and poses that will hone a child’s ability to flourish and find strength within themselves. Yoga also offers the chance for spiritual connection by allowing one to drop out of their ego and suffering, and begin to lean into self-compassion and enlightenment by “awakening” the energies of the body. It is so important we teach children from a young age how to love themselves, care for themselves, and use different tools and practices to connect with their authentic selves. You can incorporate these principles through affirmations, mantras, and meditation techniques. The more we introduce children to these aspects of Yoga, the more likely the child will be able to self-soothe and maneuver through life’s challenges.
Yoga is a wonderful practice that can be paired with other physical activities, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle management. Just as children need the proper care and attention for their success in school and extracurricular activities, children should be given the tools to manage their stress, emotions, and reactions as they develop. It is important to note that yoga is currently being introduced in many elementary and secondary schools whether it be in the classroom itself or in physical education classes. Yoga is already seen as a respected practice that can be offered to any individual, no matter what age or gender. As our society is ever-changing and adopting new philosophies and beliefs, we must continue to offer settings where yoga can be practiced and explored.