Two years ago I began practicing yoga and absolutely love
everything about it. If you are my friends or family, I have probably already
asked you to come join me for a class. If you have been a patient of mine, I
most likely have incorporated some sort of yoga-esque exercise into your
rehabilitation. Why? Because these movements, breathing techniques, and forms
of meditation work!
My 9 year old daughter, Emma, is exactly like me….running
from sun up to sun down. Typical first born - wanting to do everything right
and make everyone proud. And I think….oh no! I KNOW that I made her this way!
While I admire her goal setting and her determination, I also want to teach her
that life is a practice…..not a perfect!
Let’s face it, our kids today are constantly running from
one thing to the next. Their days are filled with rushing off to school, after
school activities, sports, clubs, homework and late bedtimes. All of which are
repeated day after day. Not to mention the pressures that come with academic
performance, success in sports and don’t get me started about the inner
workings of adolescent friendships!!
Stress kicks in the sympathetic nervous system which leads
to an elevation in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this constant increase
in stress can lead to decreased immune support, low self-esteem, depression and
isolation. Research shows that
incorporating a stress related program into a student’s daily routine helps
academic performance, self-esteem, concentration and helps emotional balance. This
further leads to improving a child’s confidence, goal setting, and overall
classroom behavior.
Cue yoga…..
Yoga is a holistic approach to stress management. It gives
an individual the opportunity to pause amidst all the chaos of life. To take a
deep breath. To BE in the moment. The word Yoga in Sanskrit means “to yoke,” to
bring together in mind, body and spirit. Yoga emphasizes the importance of
breath, along with physical postures and relaxation methods to strive toward
balance and allows the body to reconnect with the mind.
I have taken Emma to yoga with me multiple times. Not only
do I love having this special time with my daughter. I love how she tells me
she feels after she practices. Don’t get me wrong, part of the reason she loves
it is for all the arm balances and crazy poses that only a 9 year old gymnast
could hold, but she also tells me how calm she feels after. How relaxed and
happy she feels walking out of the studio.
Yoga has benefits for children of every age:
·
Young children (6 and under): Development of
body awareness and gross motor movement
·
Children 7-9 years of age: Challenges in
strength, agility and endurance
·
Adolescence (10-12 years of age): A place to
thrive as their bodies are changing and a safe environment to practice in, as
they seek acceptance from peers
·
Teenage years: ”Practice allows for self-study
and self-care as well as development of vital intrapersonal and interpersonal
skills, such as improved communication skills, which are critically needed at
this developmental stage”.
So this month, step out of your comfort zone and take your
son or daughter to a yoga class. What a great way to celebrate being healthy
with your kids. No judgement. No expectations. Just BE.
Jen Bazan,
PT, DPT
Physical
Therapist, and co-owner
TheraCORE,
Inc.
Children are always
welcome at the yoga classes offered at our Lockport clinic. Classes are every
Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Namaste!
