Today, June 21, in addition to the beginning of summer in much of the world, is also International Yog Day.to. It was officially declared by the United Nations for the first time in 2014 as a day to celebrate the wonderful benefits of yoga. Research has shown that regular yoga practice leads to better mental, physical and intellectual health, and the benefits are not only evident in adults, but also in children.
In many schools around the world, it is known that when children practice yoga, parents, caregivers and teachers realize the respected potentials that occur in self-esteem, concentration, and happiness. In addition, fear and anxiety are reduced.
While the physical benefits of yoga for children such as improved balance, coordination, and strength are important, we also see tremendous positive changes in children's mental health. The trend of moving towards a more holistic approach to child well-being is quickly becoming popular. This year, it was announced that more than 370 schools in England have introduced mindfulness as a theme to improve the mental health of young people… and it should be spread around the world for global wellness!
After a morning of meditation and yoga with the children, their behavior changes completely. They are full of joy, they are ready to focus, and they are even more compassionate to each other. There are some of the top health benefits of yoga for kids that every parent and professional around the world should know about.
Health benefits of yoga for children
- On a physical level, children build balance, strength, and endurance. It also helps with coordination and increases aerobic and lung capacity.
- Increases self-esteem and confidence.
- Memory improvement, brain plasticity increase, better concentration and focus
- Helps instill calm and relaxation. In fact, some yoga poses can even help your child fall asleep more easily.
- Build compassion and kindness.
- Reduces anxiety and stress. Usually the sympathetic part of your nervous system takes over when you're stressed, but yoga produces a balance by activating the parasympathetic (recovery) part of the system that releases feelings of relaxation and calm. This teaches the body to more easily activate the parasympathetic system in times of stress.
- Helps children develop a more conscious connection to their bodies and the natural world around them. This is especially important at a time when environmental awareness is vital.
From now on and knowing the benefits that yoga has for children, it is important that from now on you prioritize this type of exercise to do as a family ... in this way you can connect on an affective level and feel very good thanks to all that yoga can bring you on a physical and mental level. Yoga is worth including in your daily routines!