We live in a busy, changing world that's difficult for even the most cunning adult to navigate. Yoga is a practice that is beneficial to our bodies, minds and souls and the list of benefits to everyday life goes on and on. Teenagers and those in between (tweens) have to deal with radical changes as they enter adulthood- changes to their bodies, social lives, emotions, hormones and more. These changes and "awkward" stages for teens can leave them feeling stressed, anxious or even depressed, especially when they have no outlet to cope. Teen yoga is extremely effective in helping teenagers not only strengthen and heal their bodies, but also temper emotional, social and mental woes they may face. Here are 5 reasons why teens and tweens should practice yoga:
1) Building confidence and self-esteem. This is the age of awkwardness for most, because the body and mind are rapidly developing and kids are walking the bridge into adulthood. Trying to fit in at school, juggling their increasingly difficult schoolwork, balancing family life and social life can all lead to teens feeling a bit lost and unsettled. These feelings can be conquered by practicing yoga. Self-doubt is set aside on a yoga mat and all that's left is will and effort. Teens may be afraid to look silly doing a pose or fear they are not flexible enough for yoga, but once they see the true strength of their bodies, they overcome the fear. Fear is then replaced with confidence and self-esteem, which can be applied in all aspects of their life. Yoga helps teens to feel more confident and able, who wouldn't want that for their child?
2) Stress and anxiety relief. Yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety for adults, so why wouldn't it for teens? Well, it does and chances are your teen is having more anxiety and stress than you may think. Changing schools, changing bodies, changing everything leaves teens feeling unstable and often times helpless, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Stress has many strange effects on the body and can make it difficult to cope with typical situations. Practicing yoga restores confidence and strength, and helps replace negative feelings with positive ones. Once they get into a yoga routine, your teen will find that he or she is not only eliminating stress while they practice, but that they use the techniques from the mat to apply to everyday life. Things like breathing and mindfulness may be new ideas to them that can be used in any situation that warrants it.
3) Fitness during crucial development. Exercise is good for the body, we all know this to be true. Although yoga has a much deeper mental and emotional connection than other types of fitness, it is still a form of exercise. Keeping the body healthy and fit is important no matter what stage of life you're in but as a teen/tween practicing healthy habits is very important because it's a time of crucial brain and body development. The mindfulness and fitness that comes with yoga is great for growing and changing bodies and minds.
4) Relationship building. Yoga can awaken things in our minds and bodies that we never knew were there. It can help give us the confidence to foster new relationships and see things from a different perspective. Sometimes this is just what kids need to form healthy friendships! Yoga also gives them the mindfulness to see people for what they are, and can help them make friends with people of positive influence. Encourage your teen or tween to bring a friend or a few to teen yoga with them. They will form a support system for each other, which will significantly boost confidence and quality of relationships in the future.
5) Breaking away from technology. During a yoga session, we leave our busy lives outside and focus on our body and mind. These days with technology so available it may be hard to get your teen or tween off their phone, computer or laptop. They start to feel self satisfaction in things like "likes" or "friend requests" and incorporate their virtual life into their emotions. Yoga is a great time for them to disconnect from the world of technology and to bring them into the present. It may not encourage them to stop texting, but it may just give them realization next time they are staring at a computer screen. Even if only for a class, disconnecting from technology is good for growing young adults.
We offer a Teen/Tween yoga series that starts this Thursday, June 19th from 11:30am-12:30pm. This series is 5 classes long for only $50! Enroll your teen now and reap the benefits of yoga for their growing bodies, minds and souls. Thursday, June 19; 26th; July 10; 17th; 24 http://yogacenterbrighton.com/events/
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