Stressed-out kids? Introduce them to yoga!
by: Krissy Manalo (as published in the Manila Bulletin, November 2013)
With the demanding number of days in school, numerous tests and term exams lined up, hectic extracurricular activities, and overstimulation from readily available media sources, it is no surprise why many children are now getting stressed out. Parents, educators, therapists, and other individuals working closely with children have raised serious concerns with this for many years now.
Jan Jewette and Karen Peterson mention in their article, “Stress and Young Children” for the Eric Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood that stress is most often seen as an overt physical reaction: crying, sweaty palms, running away, aggressive or defensive outbursts, rocking and self-comforting behaviors, headaches and stomach aches, nervous fine motor behaviors (e.g., hair twirling or pulling, chewing and sucking, biting of skin and fingernails), toileting accidents, and sleep disturbances. Experts also suggest that children may react through depression and avoidance; excessive shyness or worrying; and sometimes through an obsessive behavior on objects, routines, and other things.
As an educator for many years now and a mom of three, these scenarios are familiar to me, both at home and in school. In my efforts to make learning and “growing up” more exciting and meaningful for my own kids and the school children under my keep, I have tried different ways to help them cope with stress – through positive talk, frequent chats and open communication, play and art therapy, and other methods to alleviate their worries, fears, and anxieties.
Ever since I took up yoga and became a kids yoga teacher, I have begun to integrate yoga techniques into my teaching in the classroom - during transition periods, as “energizers” before embarking on new topics, and as calming routines when they feel tired from doing several activities. I apply these as well in handling my own children. I have found that yoga has profound positive effects on children.
Here are some of the many benefits of yoga for children that I took note of as I taught kids on a regular basis:
1. Enhances focus and concentration
When the children do yoga poses, it requires them to give attention to their bodies and control their movements. In a sun salutation, where repeated poses are done in a flow, children think of what pose comes next while enjoying their breathing and how their bodies feel. They slowly learn the important life skill of introspection;
2. Teaches being mindful
Being mindful is being present at the moment. The children learn this by being more aware of their in-breath and out-breath. They learn to be fully present mind and body. While standing tall and strong in a Mountain pose (Tadasana), the child becomes fully aware of how his feet feels on the mat and as he transitions to a tree pose (Vrksasana), he is again fully made aware of his one foot that balances on the floor.
3. Equips them with calming tools and techniques
Children are fearful of different things – lightning, thunder, heights, etc. They also get angry, frustrated, and upset on a regular basis. I mean who doesn’t? The children learn to breathe out all their fears and anger out in a lion’s breath without having to take it out on anybody. They learn to take quick breaths like a bunny and give their brain instant oxygen before a test or a sport game.
4. Nurtures Imagination and Creativity
Pretend play, art, music, literature, Science Math, and other yoga games are often assimilated into kids yoga classes. While doing an eagle pose (Garudasana), one can talk about the Haribon, the Philippine National Bird, popularly found in Davao –the glorious wide span of its wings and fearless hunt for prey. This gives the children the opportunity to use their imagination and tap their creative juices freely.
5. Enhances self-confidence and boost morale
As the children accomplish more and more poses with increasing ease and familiarity, the more they feel fulfilled and confident in themselves and in their abilities. Doing warrior poses (Virabhadrasana) takes poise and great strength and willpower. The warrior poses are meant to help conquer self-doubt and build faith in oneself.
6. Provides avenue for peer interaction in a welcoming environment
Many poses are done in pairs or by groups. A double down dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana)takes trust and determination. Children learn to have complete faith in the other person when they do partner poses – this sense of trust and reliance is essential as they cultivate relationships as they grow up.
With continued attendance in kids yoga classes and a good support at home, the children will greatly reap many benefits from yoga.
Krissy Manalo, is an educator, head teacher of Kids One Yoga, and an adult yoga teacher. For kids yoga classes around the Metro and more info on the training, you may log on to www.kidsoneyoga.com or call/text Krissy Manalo at 0915 - 896 5327.
For Online Link: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/stressed-kids-introduce-them-yoga-000529493.html
Jan Jewette and Karen Peterson mention in their article, “Stress and Young Children” for the Eric Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood that stress is most often seen as an overt physical reaction: crying, sweaty palms, running away, aggressive or defensive outbursts, rocking and self-comforting behaviors, headaches and stomach aches, nervous fine motor behaviors (e.g., hair twirling or pulling, chewing and sucking, biting of skin and fingernails), toileting accidents, and sleep disturbances. Experts also suggest that children may react through depression and avoidance; excessive shyness or worrying; and sometimes through an obsessive behavior on objects, routines, and other things.
As an educator for many years now and a mom of three, these scenarios are familiar to me, both at home and in school. In my efforts to make learning and “growing up” more exciting and meaningful for my own kids and the school children under my keep, I have tried different ways to help them cope with stress – through positive talk, frequent chats and open communication, play and art therapy, and other methods to alleviate their worries, fears, and anxieties.
Ever since I took up yoga and became a kids yoga teacher, I have begun to integrate yoga techniques into my teaching in the classroom - during transition periods, as “energizers” before embarking on new topics, and as calming routines when they feel tired from doing several activities. I apply these as well in handling my own children. I have found that yoga has profound positive effects on children.
Here are some of the many benefits of yoga for children that I took note of as I taught kids on a regular basis:
1. Enhances focus and concentration
When the children do yoga poses, it requires them to give attention to their bodies and control their movements. In a sun salutation, where repeated poses are done in a flow, children think of what pose comes next while enjoying their breathing and how their bodies feel. They slowly learn the important life skill of introspection;
2. Teaches being mindful
Being mindful is being present at the moment. The children learn this by being more aware of their in-breath and out-breath. They learn to be fully present mind and body. While standing tall and strong in a Mountain pose (Tadasana), the child becomes fully aware of how his feet feels on the mat and as he transitions to a tree pose (Vrksasana), he is again fully made aware of his one foot that balances on the floor.
3. Equips them with calming tools and techniques
Children are fearful of different things – lightning, thunder, heights, etc. They also get angry, frustrated, and upset on a regular basis. I mean who doesn’t? The children learn to breathe out all their fears and anger out in a lion’s breath without having to take it out on anybody. They learn to take quick breaths like a bunny and give their brain instant oxygen before a test or a sport game.
4. Nurtures Imagination and Creativity
Pretend play, art, music, literature, Science Math, and other yoga games are often assimilated into kids yoga classes. While doing an eagle pose (Garudasana), one can talk about the Haribon, the Philippine National Bird, popularly found in Davao –the glorious wide span of its wings and fearless hunt for prey. This gives the children the opportunity to use their imagination and tap their creative juices freely.
5. Enhances self-confidence and boost morale
As the children accomplish more and more poses with increasing ease and familiarity, the more they feel fulfilled and confident in themselves and in their abilities. Doing warrior poses (Virabhadrasana) takes poise and great strength and willpower. The warrior poses are meant to help conquer self-doubt and build faith in oneself.
6. Provides avenue for peer interaction in a welcoming environment
Many poses are done in pairs or by groups. A double down dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana)takes trust and determination. Children learn to have complete faith in the other person when they do partner poses – this sense of trust and reliance is essential as they cultivate relationships as they grow up.
With continued attendance in kids yoga classes and a good support at home, the children will greatly reap many benefits from yoga.
Krissy Manalo, is an educator, head teacher of Kids One Yoga, and an adult yoga teacher. For kids yoga classes around the Metro and more info on the training, you may log on to www.kidsoneyoga.com or call/text Krissy Manalo at 0915 - 896 5327.
For Online Link: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/stressed-kids-introduce-them-yoga-000529493.html
