Yoga 4 Kids

ByDr. Glen Reed Posted on Updated on

Good morning! Dr. Glen Reed here. Today, we won’t be doing our usual Monday morning motivations but rather, discussing family matters. The name change reflects my passion for family health concepts. While I hope these tips are applicable to individuals at any stage of life, the focus is on families.

As we kick off the new year, many of us spend time setting goals for what we want to see happen in the year ahead. My suggestion today is to involve your children and entire family in this discussion. If we can start teaching our kids about the importance of health and wellness, and how crucial it is to plan and allocate time and finances for our health each day, we’re setting them up well for later in life.

When parents ask me what the best sport or activity for their kids is, my first pick is always yoga. I believe it’s one of the perfect activities to introduce to children for several reasons:

  1. Neuromuscular connectedness: This refers to the brain-body connection, which is an integral part of every yoga practice. It’s especially important as we navigate through life, being aware of how our brain and body interact.
  2. Mindfulness: This concept involves awareness of both our external environment and our internal state. Incorporating mindfulness into a child’s life from an early age can create a secure foundation, making their journey through different life stages smoother.
  3. Breathing: The breathing exercises that come with yoga can be used throughout the day for various purposes: to energize kids in the morning or to calm them down at the end of the day, preparing them for bed. These techniques can also help manage high-anxiety states.

In addition to these benefits, yoga can be a lifelong sport. While activities like gymnastics, ballet, and dance are great starters, they often get dropped as we grow older and embark on our careers. Yoga, on the other hand, can continue to be part of our lives, providing its benefits at any age.

So, as we dive into this new year, let’s commit to prioritizing our family’s health and wellness. Let’s teach our children the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and physical fitness. Here’s to a healthier, happier year!