Dog, cobra, eagle and camel all sound like things our kids pretend to be, but they are also yoga poses. At Alzein Pediatrics, we know that while pretending to a crow or a frog is always fun, doing simple, age-appropriate yoga can help your child have a better school experience.
Yoga—originally a set of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or exercises—dates back over 2500 years to ancient India. The yoga most of us encounter here in America is actually a blend of yoga practices and gymnastics exercises popularized as a more holistic workout. By simultaneously disciplining the body, breathing, and mental attention, this modern form of yoga purports to improve wellness by improving physical and mental performance.
Because yoga involves a multifaceted approach, involving posture, breathing, and meditation, it can be difficult to determine whether yoga or merely one of its components produce health benefits. Research shows that adults who regularly practice yoga have improved emotional self-regulation and consequently lower levels of depression, stress, and anxiety.
Many schools view yoga as a low-cost and low-impact opportunity to improve students’ physical health and mental coping mechanisms. Yoga’s mind-body practices have been shown to improve concentration and increase self-control, which are useful skills for children’s behavioral development. Additionally, breathing exercises and contemplative techniques have been shown to improve memory by activating the part of the brain responsible for developing and maintaining memories. Finally, yoga has been shown to improve mood, which produces consequent improvements in cognitive functioning.
The research shows us that a combination of physical, breathing, and mental exercises—like those found in yoga—produce better mood, better behavior, clearer thinking, and healthier bodies. Those four outcomes represent the same goals of schools. A modified yoga practice before school might prime children to be more focused, thoughtful, and relaxed in the classroom. It may make remembering class content easier and it may improve classroom behavior by both keeping children focused and giving them skills for regaining focus. Students who maintain age- and maturity-appropriate yoga practices over time show significant improvements in anger control and decreases in fatigue and anxiety.
For kids ages 5 to 10, engage them in short, 3 to 5-minute yoga practices. Small children are still learning how to discipline their body, breathing and thoughts. While yoga can help them develop those skills, demanding strict discipline can increase stress, so keep yoga fun, using play, games and songs. When yoga is practiced in an enthusiastic and non-competitive environment, it helps build confidence and self-esteem.
Alzein Pediatrics doesn’t recommend replacing running, jumping and more vigorous physical activity with yoga. Make it an addition to your child’s routine. While the physical activity of yoga can improve muscle tone and flexibility, more physically demanding exercise improves aerobic health, lowers blood pressure, helps maintain cardiometabolic health and strengthens bones.
Do you have questions about your child’s physical activity level? Send us a message through your patient portal – we are always happy to help!
