Stretch Your Way To Better Health


Yoga (meaning union or yoke) is the practice of accessing and integrating all aspects of our true nature -- body, mind, and spirit -- in the pursuit of inner harmony, says Alexandra De Collibus, a yoga teacher and founder of Sweet Pea Yoga, a yoga studio for infants, toddler, and kids located throughout Massachusetts.


Yoga is becoming more popular in schools through physical education classes and after-school programs. It’s rising popularity can be attributed to its basic stretching advantages and improved body awareness, with the added component of a mind-body connection.


There are 5 key areas where kids benefit from the practice of yoga, and each of them improves their overall well-being.


  1. 1. It Enhances Physical Flexibility 


  1. 2. It Refines Balance and Coordination 


  1. 3. It Develops Focus and Concentration 


  1. 4. It Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence 


  1. 5. It Strengthens the Mind-Body Connection 



Yoga is beneficial to children of all ages, but it has been found to be particularly so for kids with special needs. Studies have shown that yoga benefits children with autism and ADHD. Autism Key, an autism support website, says that yoga helps address kids' heightened anxiety, poor motor coordination, and weak self-regulation, something that otherwise is very difficult to do.

Parents may notice how yoga benefits their kids, but the best judges are the kids themselves. Children who have practiced yoga tell teachers and parents that they are able to concentrate better during the day, focus better on their activities, and pay attention to their tasks -- all the finest endorsements.

Jessica Glenbocki MOT, OTR/L

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