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Yoga For Holistic Health |
International Yoga Day is coming! Yoga not only has significant impact on health and wellbeing of adults and kids, but it surely helps in bringing about significant changes in lives of kids having Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity, etc.
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often face challenges such as difficulty with sensory regulation, motor coordination, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Yoga, with its blend of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and mindfulness techniques, provides a gentle yet effective way to address these challenges.
Here’s how yoga can make a difference:
Improves Sensory Processing
Kids with sensory processing disorders often struggle with over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli like sound, touch, or movement. Yoga’s slow, intentional movements and focus on body awareness help children regulate sensory input. Poses like Tree Pose or Child’s Pose encourage grounding and calmness, reducing sensory overload.
Enhances Motor Skills and Coordination
Yoga involves a variety of poses that improve balance, strength, and coordination. For children with motor planning difficulties, practicing poses like Warrior Pose or Downward Dog can strengthen muscles, enhance body awareness, and improve gross and fine motor skills.
Promotes Emotional Regulation
Children with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders may experience heightened anxiety or difficulty managing emotions. Yoga’s breathing exercises, such as deep belly breathing, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Mindfulness practices also help kids recognize and manage their emotions.
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Encourage Kids To Practice Yoga Daily |
Boosts Social Skills and Confidence
Group yoga sessions provide a safe, non-competitive environment for kids to interact with peers. Following instructions, taking turns, and practicing together fosters social engagement and builds self-esteem. Over time, kids develop confidence in their abilities.
Improves Focus and Cognitive Function
Yoga requires attention to breath and movement, which enhances concentration and cognitive flexibility. For kids with attention difficulties, practices like guided meditation or simple yoga flows can improve focus and mental clarity.
Incorporating Yoga into Daily Life
Making yoga a part of a child’s routine doesn’t require hours of practice.
Here are practical ways to integrate yoga into daily life for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders:
Start Small: Begin with 5–10-minute sessions, using simple poses like Cat-Cow, Tree Pose, or Balloon Breath. Gradually increase duration as the child becomes comfortable.
Make it Fun: Use storytelling, animal-themed poses (e.g., Cobra Pose as a snake), or music to keep kids engaged.
Create a Calm Space: Set up a quiet, clutter-free area for yoga practice to minimize distractions and create a soothing environment.
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Yoga Is Fun When Done With Friends |
Involve the Family: Encourage parents and siblings to join in, making yoga a bonding activity that promotes a sense of inclusion.
Use Visual Aids: For kids with autism or sensory challenges, visual schedules or picture cards of yoga poses can help them follow along.
Consistency is Key: Practice yoga at the same time each day to build a routine, which is especially beneficial for children who thrive on predictability.
Real-Life Impact
Research shows that yoga can significantly improve behavior, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that children with autism who practiced yoga showed improved emotional regulation and social interaction. Parents often report that their kids are calmer, more focused, and better able to cope with daily challenges after regular yoga practice.
Spreading Awareness on International Yoga Day
This International Yoga Day, let’s advocate for inclusive yoga practices that cater to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Schools, therapy centers, and communities can organize yoga workshops tailored for kids with special needs, ensuring accessibility and fun. By spreading awareness about yoga’s benefits, we can empower parents, educators, and caregivers to incorporate this practice into children’s lives, helping them thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.
Let’s celebrate the power of yoga to transform lives and create a more inclusive, healthier future for our kids!
Stay Healthy!!
Dr. Pooja Pathak
for Swavalamban
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