Chilled out children

The advantages of yoga for youngsters have been proven by leading paediatricians with a staggering 31 benefits cited by independent analytical health organisation The Good Body. It’s great news for parents who can easily tap into this ancient practice to help balance their kids physically and mentally.

While learning yoga poses is good for developing balance and increasing flexibility, as a non-competitive form of exercise rather than sport, it encourages empathy, improves self-esteem and builds confidence. By reducing anxiety and stress, it leads naturally to better sleep and helps with self-control and improved behaviour.

Multiple studies have shown that yoga can be a powerful tool for improving symptoms of ADHD and autism, with demonstrably improved symptoms including better socialisation, tolerance of sitting and adult proximity.

Studies have also indicated that practicing yoga boosts immunity, with reduced markers of inflammation and improved immune responses to infectious diseases.

Yoga for kids needs to be fun, so yoga games are a good idea and a teacher who makes it entertaining to maintain their interest.

We offer weekly yoga classes for children on Wednesdays in Harrogate at 4.15pm – 5pm for 4-8 year olds and 5.15pm – 6pm for 9-12 year olds. Led by a Rebecca Heap the half-hour sessions offer a time to cool down, chill out, let go and let the wriggles out after a day of school. Time for breathing, stories, yoga games, poses, and fun. Call in or ring 01423 391201 for more details.