Why Yoga is Essential for Children: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago, has recently witnessed a remarkable resurgence — both nationally and globally. Its increasing popularity, especially in countries like the United States, is a testament to the numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits it offers.
But while yoga has traditionally been embraced by adults and senior citizens, there is now growing awareness of the importance of introducing yoga to children. In today’s fast-paced world, where children face mounting academic pressure, constant after-school engagements, peer competition, and over-scheduling, yoga can be a powerful tool for balance and well-being.
What is Yoga?
The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means “union.” It signifies the harmonious connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Through poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness, yoga fosters this union, helping individuals — even children — experience calmness, focus, and inner joy.
Why Do Children Need Yoga?
Unlike earlier generations, today’s children are exposed to significantly higher levels of stress at a much younger age. The constant pressure to perform academically, succeed in extracurriculars, and socially fit in can take a toll on their mental and physical health.
Yoga helps children:
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Manage stress effectively
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Build emotional resilience
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Enhance self-respect and confidence
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Improve focus, memory, and classroom behavior
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Develop body awareness and coordination
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Sleep better and stay more active
A Safe Space for Growth
One of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is that it’s non-competitive. For children who are shy, introverted, or anxious about traditional sports or group activities, yoga offers a safe, inclusive space. There is no pressure to be first, fastest, or perfect — just the encouragement to be present and grow at their own pace.
Even for children who are naturally athletic, yoga enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and mental clarity — complementing their performance in other sports and activities.
The Takeaway
Introducing yoga to children isn’t just about physical fitness. It’s about empowering them with tools that support their emotional balance, self-expression, and mental well-being. Whether practiced at school, home, or in a community setting, yoga can help children lead healthier, happier lives.
Benefits of Yoga for kids / children:
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- It increases the physical flexibility of the children: In any form of exercise all the muscle groups are involved and kids learn to use all thier muscles.
- It builds up coordination and balancing: Yoga has different poses. As chil learns new poses they also learn to improve thier physical balance and the movements well coordinated. This experience gives them feeling of accomplishment and increases self confidence. Some of the yoga teachers have started using finger yoga and other specialized techniques to help children develop gross and fine motor coordination. To know more about finger yoga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MfsEZPIcZY
- Enhances Concentration: There are different forms of yoga exercise. Some are slow and some are fast. This different pacing of exercise allows child to learn self control and thereby also enhances focus and awareness.
- Brings in Metal Calmness: Yoga asana is precisely physical exercise. Concentrating and watching each and every move of the body helps to bring calmness to the mind. Yoga also teaches you different breathing techniques and meditation techniques which allows disengagement from present thoughts which can help calm the mind.
- Stress Deduction: Any form of physical activity helps to relive stress and yoga is considered to be on the top of the list. The emphasis yoga places on ‘being in the moment’ can also help relieve stress as you learn to not dwell on past events or anticipate the future.
- Yoga and partnership: Yoga has also been known to help children with behavioral issues relate in a rationally healthy way with other children. Yoga helps children focus and concentrate while building a sense of self awareness. Agape Yoga Studio goes on to say that yoga can be used to help improve a child’s self esteem and relationships. Teaching kids “partner poses” helps them work together in a safe environment that is conducive to partnership and learning team skills. It’s a great way to facilitate strategic “play time” while your kids, siblings, and their friends have a really good time.
- Yoga and ADD: Kids who are hyperactive can also benefit from yoga. Yoga naturally teaches calming, relaxing breathing techniques, and the focused time in specific postures helps still your children. Children with hyperactive tendencies need a higher amount of movement and yoga can help their impulses move in a positive direction.According to a 2004 study of 8- to 13-year-old boys with ADD published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, practicing yoga once a week for five months resulted in increased concentration, mental and physical discipline and improved confidence among study participants. Parents of the study participants reported that their sons were less hyperactive.
Yoga for Children
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Don’t take yoga too seriously
For the most part, kids love recess, running around and playtime, so try not to take yoga so seriously when attempting to get your kids excited enough to participate.
- Laugh with them about how hilarious you both look in Downward Facing Dog.
- Slap them a high-five when they make it through their first sun salutation .
- Use a children’s yoga ball and enjoy watching them learn balance as they roll off a few times.
- Try not to get too disappointed if they simply refuse to meditate, or if they begin to double over in laughter when you chant “Ohhhhhm.”
Kids want to play, so encourage their strengths, while teaching them to be healthy, whole individuals.
The ultimate benefits of yoga is to create a desire in people to “live to give,” which establishes peace and stillness through an awareness of self and others. This is a fantastic teaching moment to have with your children about leaving a legacy with their lives. An ancient proverb says, “Train up your child in the way he (she) should go and in their old age, they will not depart from it.” Train your kids to be Warriors for good!
One great example of a Youngest Yoga Trainer “Shruti Pandey” from North India has learnt yoga in 6 months and she can perform all 84 Yoga Positions. She is now training adults. She made Limca Book Of Record at age of just 5 years.
Shruti Pandey – Youngest Yoga Trainer
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So we can get a inspiration from this small child and perform yoga to all our children. Let me know what you think about Kids / Children Yoga? You can also buy DVD or Book and learn and perform yoga.
There are various DVD’s & Books available in market.
You can buy DVD from here: Yoga for Kids
For Books:
Book from here.
RD Neha Kava
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