Is yoga for kids all about fun poses and silly animal games? Yes, it’s definitely that! But it’s a whole lot more too.
Scientific studies about the benefits of kids’ yoga have proliferated over the last 10 years–documenting literally dozens of unique advantages. To help get to the bottom of it all, we read over 70 published articles on the physical and psychological benefits of kids’ yoga, and have pulled together the brightest notes of what science knows so far.
Read on for the TOP FIVE (SCIENTIFICALLY SUPPORTED) BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR KIDS:
#1. IT BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM—making kids better able to fend off disease, and better equipped to heal in a hurry when they do get sick. Not only is this one of the most robust findings in the research on yoga, but it is also a super quick win: Recent studies indicate that the advantages are almost immediate. Amazing! Who isn’t happy to avoid another pesky cold or flu?
#2. IT TRAINS SELF-REGULATION—which is the ability for kids to act thoughtfully and intentionally, persevere under pressure, and curb antisocial impulses. Self-regulation is a really big deal (kids’ self-regulation at age 3 predicts levels of health, poverty, and even criminal behavior 30 years later!). And research with K-8 students has found statistically significant evidence that yoga helps builds self-regulation.
#3. IT IMPROVES PERFORMANCE IN OTHER SPORTS—so kids are more likely to prevail in soccer, gymnastics, basketball, dance, and virtually any other physical activity. The list of celebrity athletes who have sung the praises of yoga is long: LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Love, Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant, and many others. This fact alone has attracted many newbie yogis into the studio!
#4. IT REDUCES STRESS—a finding documented by a host of studies using measurements of salivary cortisol levels (a known stress indicator). We all experience stress. And even very young kids can become deeply stressed—based on relations with their teachers, peers, environmental changes, or other factors. Scientific studies have shown that regular yoga practice can help to reduce stress among adult yogis and kid yogis alike.
#5. IT PROMOTES POSITIVE BODY IMAGE—something which it’s never too soon to do. While yoga can be very physically challenging, it also teaches self-acceptance and celebrates diversity of all kinds. Unlike many other sports and activities, yoga is also non-competitive; no one is judged as better or worse than anyone else. Beautiful body images create beautiful bodies, hearts, and minds. So positive body image is a huge benefit.
The conclusion? Yep, kids need yoga too!!
The conclusion? Yep, kids need yoga too!!
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