The school system of this country, as is common knowledge, isn’t perfect, by any stretch of the imagination. It’s based on an outdated model meant to train kids for the factory work force, treats them like prisoners instead of moldable young minds, and in general doesn’t put forth that great of a learning environment. Which is precisely why yoga needs to be taught in schools now more than ever. Yoga is designed from the ground up to be relaxing and educational for children. If you are curious as to the benefits of yoga for children in the classroom, here are the biggest benefits such practice provides young minds, bodies and spirits.
Mind
Yoga is designed to help clear out our minds, to bring us to what’s known as “the present moment”. Essentially, this means that yoga helps us flush out all stressful thoughts and stressful action from out body and mind. This is especially important for children, who spend 8 hours of their day cooped up inside a big concrete box surrounded by equally stressed out strangers. Half of the social problems that stereotypically stem from elementary or high school derive from too much stress in the brain, so it’s imperative that children have some sort of outlet.
Body
The practices associated with yoga helps with the development of the neuromuscular and vestibular systems. It aids children’s midline crossing motions, which is the motor development on both sides of your body. This in turn will help children’s coordination, body awareness, and balance. As children, it’s important to work on these body functions as early as possible, in order to circumvent potential problems with the bones and body structure later in life. So not only is normal exercise important to body development, but so is yoga.
Spirit
The above benefits can improve kids’ self confidence and self-esteem, as their bodies don’t feel as sluggish as they did before. The patience associated with yoga will act as a brilliant character building exercise for kids. And since yoga is typically done in large groups, it will also heavily improve social interaction and team skills. When it comes to character and emotional intellect, there are myriad benefits to kids learning yoga.
The benefits of yoga cannot be overstated, in both kids and adults. It improves kids social skills, helps their bodies develop in healthy ways, to say nothing of their minds. This, and many more, are the reasons why yoga should be taught in American schools.
