Yoga for early beginners

Children can benefit immensely from adopting yoga at a really young age, for both physical and mental development.

Yoga is a way of life, and it offers tremendous benefits and zero side effects. The beauty of it is that anyone can practice yoga, whatever their age, lifestyle, background or economic status. However, we are conditioned to think that only adults can perform yoga – studies show that it is good to encourage yoga for kids, for the following reasons:

1. To focus the mind. Children have active imaginations and they are easily distracted. Many children are dreamers and they exist in their own mental space filled with the things that fascinate them. However, early grounding in yoga can help channel their creative and nervous energy in such a way that they are able to concentrate better. Often, many children are unable to focus on one task for long, and they are easily bored or distracted. Yoga for kids eliminates the problem of lack of concentration.
2. For physical development. Early lessons in bodily development are crucial for children, and this includes getting adequate exercise and eating healthy food. Many children today choose to play with digital devices instead of being out in the fresh air, and they love to eat junk food that is harmful for their bodies. Yoga for kids helps them develop early fitness and a conscious liking for home cooked, nutritious meals. The asanas help their bodies become stronger and lithe, while meditation and good diet enhance their mental acuity.
3. Yoga to increase confidence. Some children are shy and they find it difficult to interact with others. Others feel inferior to their siblings or peers because they feel that they lack the good qualities that others possess. When children are uncomfortable about themselves or they harbour feelings of insecurity, they retreat into a shell. This is harmful for the child’s psyche, because it breeds fearfulness, lack of trust and reduced confidence. An under confident child will often grow into an under confident adult – so yoga must be taught early to inspire the child and increase their confidence in themselves.
4. Yoga to increase discipline. Many children today are left to the care of babysitters or relatives since both parents go to work. In the absence of a parental figure, many children become stubborn, spoilt and wilful. They are not disciplined properly and become headstrong and obstinate. Soon, there are many behavioural and development problems that peers and teachers may bring to the parents’ notice. At this stage, instead of punishment and detention, the child should be enrolled in a yoga class so that their mind is calmer, they learn the value of learning and discipline and how to be a credit to society.