National Yoga Month
Author: Krista Flack, MS OTR/L
September is National Yoga Month, designed to educate about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. The following are just some of the recognized benefits of yoga for children (and adults):
Body:
- Assists neuromuscular-development
- Promotes development of the vestibular system
- Encourages midline crossing motions; motor development on both sides of the body
- Develops a strong and flexible body
- Increases balance, body awareness and coordination
- Improves posture and alignment
- Develops core strength, essential for good posture and correct physical alignment
- Reduces injuries and improves performance
- Improves digestion, circulation and elimination
- Strengthens the immune system
- Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep
Mind:
- Calms and clears the mind, bringing us into the present moment
- Relieves tension and stress
- Increases concentration, focus and attention span
- Promotes thinking and memory
- Stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness
- Expands imagination and creativity
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves ability to be less reactive; more mindful of thoughts, words and actions
- Balances energy (high or low)
Spirit:
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Supports character development and emotional intelligence
- Enhances team skills and social interaction
- Develops discipline and self-control
- Supports individuality and self-expression
- Encourages social and environmental awareness and responsibility
- Supports a sense of universal connectedness
- Inspires respect for self and others
Overall:
- Improves mind/body connection
- Encourages a fit and healthy lifestyle
- Promotes an overall sense of well-being
Yoga can also have specific benefits for children with special needs:
- Increases attention, focus and concentration
- Builds self-esteem and confidence
- Develops strong muscles
- Strengthens hypotonic body parts
- Loosens tight limbs
- Fosters language and social skills
For more information, including additional reading and videos, check out some of this resources:
http://www.yogahealthfoundation.org/
https://nextgenerationyoga.com/
http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/
Each September, community events are organized nationwide in celebration of National Yoga Month. Stay tuned… we will post about any yoga-related community events that are free or discounted as we learn about them!
