Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years now, and it’s lasted the test of time for good reason. Along with improving physical attributes such as flexibility and muscle strength, yoga can increase relaxation, improve concentration, and elevate mood. And it’s not just beneficial for adults – it’s great for kids, too!
At its heart, yoga is incredibly simple. It’s about performing a sequence of movements connected to the breath. You don’t need fancy equipment to start yoga, either. Mats, blocks, straps and bolsters are helpful but not necessary – the only thing you really need is your body. This simplicity makes it easy for kids to get started.
With that in mind, here are three specific ways that yoga can benefit children.
Improved focus
Today, children are surrounded by the internet, smartphones, and countless digital devices. In a world of endless distraction, yoga can play an important role in sharpening focus. For instance, having to concentrate on maintaining a stance doesn’t allow time for wandering thoughts – a clear and attentive state of mind is essential. Developing focus in this way also has potential benefits that can impact other areas of life, including better concentration in school.
Emotional development
Yoga is also highly beneficial in an emotional context. As children grow and develop, they find themselves having to deal with new frustrations, conflicts and social challenges. Yoga can be a useful tool in helping them deal with these tough situations, building important skills such as patience, self-esteem and self-respect. It also teaches the importance of working hard to achieve goals within the comforts of a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Increased balance and coordination
Central to yoga is the development of balance and coordination – invaluable skills that can be especially helpful for little ones. By practicing various poses that incorporate different parts of the body, children can improve their poise, stability and overall dexterity – all within a single session. While certain poses can be tricky for younger ones to master at first, the development of physical balance can ultimately lead to a feeling of mastery and accomplishment.
Yoga classes for kids in Bangkok
If you’re interested in enrolling your kids in a formal class, there are several options:
- Divine Yoga hold yoga classes for children ages 6 to 12 at their studio on Sukhumvit Soi 55 on Sundays from 10:45 – 11:45 am; please book in advance.
- Prem Yoga & Prana Centre in Sukhumvit Soi 26 offers Yoga for Children from 10am to 11.30am on Saturdays.
- Iyengar Yoga Bangkok, also on Sukhumvit Soi 55, provides Yoga for Kids classes for children ages 6 to 12 on Saturdays, 11am to 12pm.
- For private classes, Little Yogi Bangkok is available; they offer classes for children ages 2 to 5, 6 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 18. Family sessions and birthday parties can also be arranged.
Yoga is easy to start in either your own home or a formal class. Kids can practice yoga by themselves or you can do it together as a family. And best of all, you don’t actually need any equipment to get started!
From improving flexibility and coordination to increasing confidence levels and controlling stress, the ancient art form of yoga is arguably one of the best and most accessible ways for children to develop a range of physical and mental qualities that can serve them well in numerous areas of life.
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