The Benefits of Yoga for Kids

Yoga isn't just for adults - kids can reap the benefits of yoga as well! Practicing yoga can set children up with the skills they need to succeed in today's busy world. Regular yoga practice benefits kids and adults alike, increasing their overall physical and mental health.

Why is yoga so important for kids?

Health studies have confirmed the many positive effects of teaching children how to practice yoga and mindfulness. The skills extend well beyond physical fitness, improving children's mental health, balance, and strength.

What is the best age to start yoga? 

Young kids can benefit from yoga, even toddlers. Yoga instructors agree that even kids under 5 years old can enjoy yoga for kids right in the comfort of their own homes, or at mommy-and-me classes at yoga studios.

Yoga helps improve their attention span.

Yoga enhances children's concentration. Many young kids have difficulty concentrating due to the huge amount of information they're processing at any given time. Studies have shown that yoga helps children manage their thoughts and achieve a more efficient attention span, both at home and at school.

Yoga for kids should be short and fun. 

In many situations, young kids can only concentrate for a few minutes at a time. Taking kids to a yoga class that is tailored for young children can be beneficial. Even doing just a few yoga poses and breathing exercises can be helpful.

If you can't find local yoga classes for kids, try to create a yoga routine at home. It doesn't have to be hours on end of practice, but parents can help their children gain strength and manage stress by practicing yoga and breathing techniques in a simple, engaging way at home.

Yoga is a great way to improve children's emotional regulation. 

Emotional regulation is an important life skill that will benefit children in a healthy way. By practicing yoga, kids can learn about staying in the moment while practicing relaxation techniques that will help them improve their emotional health and impulse control. By having a greater sense of emotional regulation, a child can develop a more positive self image over time.

Yoga can boost children's self-esteem. 

Because of the stress management skills and personal empowerment that yoga brings to children, yoga can also boost a child's self-esteem. Yoga increases confidence, helps with posture, and teaches children to have greater strength and mobility.

Yoga strengthens a child's self-confidence in addition to their physical health. Kids who practice yoga are more likely to be empowered, have greater mental clarity, and have greater body image.

Yoga poses build physical strength. 

All kids need exercise, and yoga is a powerful physical outlet for their energy and anxiety. Regular yoga practice boosts body strength. Yoga is so much more than stretching and breathing - one of its top benefits is its ability to increase balance, core strength, and mobility.

Yoga increases children's awareness of their body and mindfulness.

Yoga classes for children can have a positive impact on their body awareness and mental clarity. Moving their body in a healthy way can encourage children to learn about the way their bodies move, practicing power and control. The mindfulness aspect of yoga teaches children to be aware of their physical space, but also their mental space, learning to manage stress, focus thoughts, and release unhealthy habits.

Teaching yoga to kids allows them to develop some very important life skills, including bodily awareness. From toddlers to school age children and beyond, yoga has benefits for kids at all stages of life.

Yoga might encourage healthy eating. 

One of the benefits of yoga is physical health. Teaching children to move their bodies and care for their bodies can also encourage healthy habits in other aspects of life, including their diet.

When children (and adults) regularly practice yoga, they can feel empowered to live in a healthy way at all times, including eating more fruits and vegetables, being more adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, and fueling their bodies with lots of nutritious choices.

Kids yoga can reduce stress and anxiety.

The American Psychological Association reports that much of the population feels like they worry too much. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with anxiety each year, and one of the benefits of yoga is reducing stress and anxiety.

Yoga helps with stress management by increasing a child's mind-body connection. Yoga improves children's sense of self, especially in those with stress issues. Not only is kids yoga beneficial, its also fun. Yoga encourages children to process their stress in a healthy way.

Yoga helps with self-control.

Yoga teaches discipline and improves kids' ability to control their behavior. Yoga develops children's strength not only physically, but mentally. It can reduce impulsivity, which can help both with home life and with academic performance, which can all boost a child's self-esteem.

Yoga might help improve memory. 

Yoga enhances children's concentration, which is important for their processing and memory skills. Yoga and mindfulness exercises give kids a fun way to practice very important life skills.

Learning different poses can help children practice memorization skills that will be important in school and in day-to-day life.

Yoga is a fun way to relax.

Through breathing exercises and physical postures, yoga helps kids relax. Yoga helps children manage stress and anxiety, giving them a greater sense of calm. By learning to live in the present moment, kids can reap the many emotional benefits of yoga while enjoying physical activity that is safe and empowering.

Children can use the relaxation techniques learned in class in other areas of life, including in the home, with friends, in sports, and in their academic performance. These breathing exercises and relaxation methods can aid in stress management, having a positive impact on a child's overall mental wellness.

Yoga is important for kids of all ages. 

The regular practice of yoga can have a positive impact on children of all ages. There are many benefits of yoga for children, including personal empowerment, learning to stay in the present moment, helping children deal with big emotions, practicing memorization skills, building strength, and improving overall wellness.