Yoga is becoming increasingly popular amongst children, which is music to my ears as children that learn yoga, mindfulness and relaxation will develop essential skills for a lifetime of health and wellness.
Yoga is more than physical exercise. The practice promotes a positive mind, body and soul connection, which helps children learn to deal with stress, improve their mood, and increase fitness levels which helps them lead healthier, happier lives.
Learning these skills from a young age offers a wellbeing toolkit that children can use for the rest of their lives.
Time at school is mostly spent sitting down, active PE lessons are usually for competitive and high intensity games such as Netball and Rounders which not all children enjoy. As not everyone is a sporty athlete, competitive games can be intimidating.
From a personal experience, I didn’t enjoy PE classes and would do anything to get out of playing competitive sports. Bringing Yoga into school would have made me excited for PE classes but instead I thought Physical Exercise wasn’t for me which affected my self-esteem, Yoga provides something for all. Yoga is an internal practice, that focuses on being in your own body and in the present moment rather than competing with others.
Teenagers are reported to be the most stressed age group of people, especially during exam time. Therefore it is important for children to learn mindfulness practices to help them manage during difficult circumstances. Mindfulness classes help to focus the mind using breath-work and visualisations.
During Yoga and Mindfulness classes, children will learn everyday tools to calm and energise the body, whilst developing a state of relaxed awareness. This is beneficial to children as it increases the attention span when learning.
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Children’s Yoga Classes with Yoga & Friends are creative, colourful and engaging. They include mindfulness activities such as mediation and breathing techniques through age appropriate games and partner work.
Yoga with children can be taught at school, as part of the PE and/or PSHE Curriculum, After School Clubs, Summer Camps and 1-2-1 classes.
I have always been passionate and enjoyed working with children, during lockdown I worked in schools as a Teacher Assistant and I’m a former Scout Leader. Combining my two passions of working with children and practising Yoga fills me with great joy and gratification!
