Yoga is a set of techniques and exercises, which uses meditation and some pillars of Indian philosophy.
Because it has several exercises that range from breathing to more complex positions, Yoga can be practiced at all ages and conditions (pregnant women and the disabled can also practice it).
Yoga classes for children are done in a playful way, which facilitates children’s learning and physical, mental and emotional development.
For this, storytelling activities, toys and more dynamic action can be combined.
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What are the benefits of Yoga for children?
The practice of Yoga has many benefits for children of all ages. With this set of movements, they learn to recognize and correctly use their body parts (body intelligence). Another benefit of Yoga for the little ones is the formation of social interaction circles, since the classes are done with colleagues and a teacher.
In addition, the benefits of yoga for children include:
- Improves posture;
- Provides well-being;
- Improves concentration;
- Strengthens muscles;
- Helps the development of bones;
- Combats depression and anxiety;
- Teaches how to control anger and nervousness;
- Raises self-esteem;
- Teaches new habits;
- Improves school performance;
- It helps to see the positive side of situations.
Classes are held together with other activities such as storytelling, music and games.
Thus, the child is interested in the modality at the same time that develops imagination and creativity.
Another reason for children to practice yoga is that, with classes, they will learn to take care of the environment around them, creating a good relationship with people and nature.
This generates empathy, a willingness to take care of the world around and a feeling of belonging.
Those who practice some sport are also benefited by Yoga, since agility and flexibility are worked on in classes.
This ends up reflecting on concentration and reasoning, aiding in learning, which makes the child’s school life easier.
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At what age can the child participate?
Yoga is an activity that can be done from 3 months of age, when they are already able to support the head, make movements with the neck, turning it from side to side and shrink the legs and arms.
All sessions with babies and young children (up to 3 years old) must be done with the accompaniment of baby yoga teachers. The presence of a family member, especially fathers and mothers, is also necessary.
In these classes, the adult makes movements holding the baby’s legs, feet, arms and hands. The adult can also do some exercises while holding the child on his lap.
Older women can also practice Yoga with the presence of their father, mother or guardian, which can help to further strengthen their emotional bonds.
Yoga for children has many benefits for the physical, mental and emotional health of the little ones.
Being able to be practiced from 3 months of life, the techniques and exercises contribute to children’s learning and development .
The Healthy Minute brings a lot of other information about children’s health . Follow our posts!
