Yoga and Asana practice for kids age group 3-6 years

Life is full of vicious circle and age is just a number and being a kid is an

opportunity. Being in a kid, a child tosses between assignments and school pressures in the form of compulsory extracurricular activities. Time for physical activities like playing outside in the fields is extremely less. There are a lot of distracting activities around the kids. It could be peer pressure or competitive atmosphere and it turns into insecurities and fear in children. To overcome such challenges, Yoga offers a solution which children can imbibe in their personalities by practicing Yogic practices at regular basis in playful ways. 

Yogic practices ensure right direction of growth and development which result in improvement their behaviour and personalities. Benefits of Yogic practices for children with age ranging from 3-6 years could be summed up in the following way:

1. It builds concentration: There are many asanas (such as Vrikshasana, Tadasana) that help in improving focus. Good concentration is essential for children as they learn and develop.

2. It boosts memory: Studies suggest that regular practice of Yoga helps in improving brain power. Mandukasana and many forward-bending asanas are particularly beneficial in improving memory and other mental functions. Meditation also works wonders.

3. It enhances immunity: Kids often fall prey to cold and cough despite all the care taken by their parents. Yoga stimulates the nervous, endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems enhancing their functioning. Simple asanas such as Bhujangasana, Parvatasana, Plank, and simple deep breathing techniques can safeguard the children from easily falling victim to germs.

4. It supports speech development: Bhujangasana and Ustrasana help in improving speech. Chanting “OM” also produces vibrations that can improve the voice quality.

5. It improves physical agility: Asanas such as Kagasana, Konasana, Gomukhasana and balancing asanas improve mind-body coordination. Asanas when combined with proper diet help improve the strength, stability and flexibility.

6. It helps create emotional balance: Like adults, children go through various emotional states such as stress, anxiety, depression and guilt. Yoga helps in improving self-esteem, self-confidence and developing a positive attitude towards life. Yoga brings health, confidence and peace.

Pre-requisites for Yoga practice:

1. Practice in fresh air, in a quiet and clean place.

2. Practice with empty stomach after emptying bowels and bladder.

3. Wear loose and comfortable dress and practice on a firm mat.

4. Best time to practice Yoga is during sunrise and sunsets.

5. Food can be consumed after 2 hours of practice of Yoga.

6. Always breathe normally through the nose, both in and out, unless specified

otherwise.

7. Those with disabilities, severe, acute or chronic medical conditions should consult with Yoga expert to assess any dangers or difficulties which may arise.

Asana Practice:

1. These stretch and tone the muscles and ligaments, keeping the spine and joints flexible.

2. Pranayama recharges the body and controls mental state.

3. Relaxation recharges the body and controls mental state.

4. Relaxation releases tension from muscles and thus provide rest to whole system leaving you fresh and energetic.

Balya Yoga (Yoga for Children of the Age group 3-6 years):

Guidelines:

1. Children less than 6 yrs of age stay up to 10 seconds staying in the final stage of any asana /Yoga practice. The total time for the kid’s Yoga session should be not more than 20 minutes.

2. Children are advised not to perform asana for long duration and breathe holding practices (Kumbhaka).

3. Yoga for children consists gentle Yoga stretches, Movements, often mimicking animals, are incorporated with games.

4. Imaginative stories about each asanas are the best way to teach Yoga to kids.

5. Always demonstrate the posture, rather than explaining it. Use the same method when trying to correct their poses, during practical session.

6. Avoid extreme forward and backward bending asanas.

7. Avoid head stand and hand standing asanas.

8. Avoid over stretching or being pushed too hard while practicing Yoga.

9. Yogic practice should be done in an empty or light stomach.

10. Children should practice Yoga under the supervision of an expert/ trained Yoga teacher with proper guidance and never alone.

11. If child complains of any discomfort while or after practicing Yoga, she/he should be given full attention and medical help, if needed.

12. Never compare children with each other. Encourage them in each and every session for discipline to sit properly.

13. It’s always appreciated to teach Yoga with affection and deal with all their reactions tenderly.

14. Yoga is not merely a set of physical exercises; they are psycho-spiritual practices, where body is the means. Therefore, basic principles of Yoga like Yama and Niyama shall be emphasized while teaching Yoga practices to get better results.