The benefits of yoga for children and families are endless.
- Improves strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination
- Nourishes creativity and expressiveness
- Helps build concentration
- Provides tools to help relax and reduce stress
- Expands awareness of the body and mind
- Helps focus on the present moment and not past or future struggles
- Teaches self-compassion and love
- Promotes interpersonal development and pro-social behaviour
- Creates a non-competitive environment that encourages team work, respect and acceptance
Research and studies have shown that yoga for children –
- Enhances visual and spatial memory (Birdee et al, 2009)
- Increases motor performance (Telles et al, 1993)
- Improves pulmonary functions in patients with bronchial asthma (Sohdi et al, 2009)
- Stabilises emotions and reduces oppositional behaviour in boys with ADHD (Jensen & Kenny, 2004)
- Is an effective therapeutic tool in management of children with mental retardation (Uma et al, 1989)
- Improves performance of tasks involving sustained attention & concentration (Balaram & Nagendra, 2010)