From fidgeting to .... Yoga :)
Our little ones' brains get overwhelmed by the constant stimuli around them. With distractions all around, it's no wonder our children struggle to keep their focus and concentration on daily tasks like homework, in school, or even during playtime. In yoga, we have a practice called yoga nidra, which helps to promote deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and mental clarity.
In recent years, it’s gained popularity for its ability to help children calm their minds, reduce anxiety, and improve their attention span. It can be a game-changer in developing concentration.
What is Yoga Nidra?
It is a guided meditation that induces a state of conscious relaxation. It's a form of meditation that allows you to access the subconscious mind while remaining fully aware and alert. The guided imagery and sensory experiences make the practice engaging for children.
In children’s yoga, we often practice yoga nidra as part of our relaxation routine. In my one-to-one classes, I also include yoga nidras. When parents participate in the practice and experience their child afterwards, they are often amazed because the results are instantly recognisable. Children who are usually quite active manage to calm down and stay still. While the practice is relaxing, it also engages the mind to focus. If this has caught your attention, read on for the amazing benefits of Yoga Nidra:
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Children today face a myriad of stressors, from academic pressures to social challenges. Yoga Nidra helps release tension and anxiety, creating a calmer mental state where concentration becomes easier.
• Enhances Mind-Body Connection: Yoga Nidra encourages children to pay close attention to their physical sensations and breath. This heightened awareness of the body helps children connect with their inner selves and become more attuned to their thoughts and emotions.
• Boosts Imagination and Creativity: Yoga Nidra's guided imagery and visualisation techniques engage a child's imagination. This can improve their creativity and problem-solving skills, essential components of concentration.
• Increases Self-Awareness: As children practice Yoga Nidra regularly, they better understand their thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness allows them to recognise distractions and refocus their attention more effectively.
• Improves Sleep Patterns: Quality sleep is crucial for concentration and cognitive development. Yoga Nidra can help children fall asleep faster and experience more restful sleep, ultimately enhancing their ability to concentrate during waking hours.
Helping children develop concentration is a valuable skill that can impact all areas of life. Yoga Nidra offers a gentle and effective way to achieve this goal by reducing stress, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering a deeper mind-body connection.
By teaching Yoga Nidra to children, we can empower them with a valuable tool that will serve them well throughout their lives. It will help them shift from fidgety to focused with ease.
Tanja is teaching a class in Studio Eleven Boyle on Saturday 27th at 10 am
This must be booked through the Arts Festival Office
Tanja @yogawithtanja - therapeutic yoga & wellbeing practices for children, teens and young adults and diverse needs children
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