National Yoga Month

Author: Krista Flack, MS OTR/L

September is National Yoga Month, designed to educate about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle.  The following are just some of the recognized benefits of yoga for children (and adults):

Body:

  • Assists neuromuscular-development
  • Promotes development of the vestibular system
  • Encourages midline crossing motions; motor development on both sides of the body
  • Develops a strong and flexible body
  • Increases balance, body awareness and coordination
  • Improves posture and alignment
  • Develops core strength, essential for good posture and correct physical alignment
  • Reduces injuries and improves performance
  • Improves digestion, circulation and elimination
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep

Mind:

  • Calms and clears the mind, bringing us into the present moment
  • Relieves tension and stress
  • Increases concentration, focus and attention span
  • Promotes thinking and memory
  • Stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness
  • Expands imagination and creativity
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves ability to be less reactive; more mindful of thoughts, words and actions
  • Balances energy (high or low)

Spirit:

  • Builds confidence and self-esteem
  • Supports character development and emotional intelligence
  • Enhances team skills and social interaction
  • Develops discipline and self-control
  • Supports individuality and self-expression
  • Encourages social and environmental awareness and responsibility
  • Supports a sense of universal connectedness
  • Inspires respect for self and others

Overall:

  • Improves mind/body connection  
  • Encourages a fit and healthy lifestyle
  • Promotes an overall sense of well-being

Yoga can also have specific benefits for children with special needs:

  • Increases attention, focus and concentration
  • Builds self-esteem and confidence
  • Develops strong muscles
  • Strengthens hypotonic body parts
  • Loosens tight limbs
  • Fosters language and social skills

For more information, including additional reading and videos, check out some of this resources:

http://www.yogahealthfoundation.org/

http://www.yoginos.com/

https://nextgenerationyoga.com/

http://playfulplanet.com/

http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/

Each September, community events are organized nationwide in celebration of National Yoga Month.  Stay tuned we will post about any yoga-related community events that are free or discounted as we learn about them!  

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