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may be able to read and verbalize their own emotions better, which will translate into healthier relationships. Body aware- ness through yoga can also reduce the chance of injury by improving flexibility, body alignment and coordination.
Managing Stress With Breathing Yoga focuses on purposeful, relaxed breathing and being in tune with that breath. Not by coincidence, deep breath- ing is taught in order to help manage stress, react to anger and think calmly. Learning to breathe in and out with rhythm can translate into performing that breath during times of stress or anxiety. When children become aware of their breath, they learn how it can relate to the body’s emotions and reactions. Kids can try extended exhalation by
exhaling their breath and then trying to exhale more, maximizing effort to get the last little bit of breath out. This simple exercise can bring more energy to the body as well as focus on the breath instead of the cur-
rent stressor. Through yoga, children can learn self-calming techniques that they can apply anywhere.
Building Concentration In today’s hurried society, kids are increas- ingly exposed to intense stimuli competing for their attention. When children build concentration, they can direct their atten- tion to what’s truly important. The balance activities in yoga encourage stillness of the body while quieting the mind. Sharpening their focus on a move can help your kids build concentration and focus on the task in front of them. During downward dog pose, help them imagine they are friendly dogs, playful and ready to run. Whom are they greeting? What do they smell? Aid their imagination as they are transformed into an animal while the outside world waits. As they concentrate their energy into the pose, they will learn to bring that concentration to daily activities. This skill translates directly into academic success as well as honing a valuable skill for the future workplace.
Increasing Confidence For newcomers to yoga, the poses and breathing can appear difficult. However, yoga truly is for everyone, as it can be modified to fit the abilities of the practitio- ner. Once children learn a particular pose, they can deepen the stretch and build up
Ready, Set, Grow
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