Kids are more stressed today than ever before.

The American Psychological Association’s 2009 “Stress in America” survey, whose results were released last fall, revealed that sources of stress for kids were the desire to do well in school, worry over their parents’ financial concerns, pressure over extracurricular activities, and their relationships with their parents.

Kids with high levels of anxiety can have trouble sleeping, develop behavioral problems, and even suffer more frequent illnesses.

One way kids can reduce their stress is to practice yoga. Long respected as a means to help adults unite mind, body, and spirit as well as improve their posture, energy levels, physical and emotional well-being, and overall happiness, yoga is now seen as a means by which children can experience the same benefits.

Randi Lattimore, Midtown’s Mind/Body Director and a seasoned yoga instructor agrees. ”Kids yoga is a fun, creative approach to yoga that can be very helpful for children whose bodies are still developing,” says Randi. “The use of animated poses and basic stretching promote strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness, while breathing and visualization techniques teach kids how to focus, relax, and develop self-control.”

This summer, Midtown is once again running Yoga Camp for Kids, and at the helm is Jennifer Hess, a certified instructor of children’s yoga. She uses yoga-inspired games and interactions to inspire children to think positive thoughts, manage stress, and listen to (and nurture) their bodies and minds.

“I teach breathing exercises like “Bunny Breath” to demonstrate that different breathing can influence how you feel. In “Bunny Breath,” I pass around a flower, and the kids take three quick breaths through their noses. This type of breath is very energizing, and we discuss when taking a “Bunny Breath” would be beneficial during their day, for example, just before a test when anxiety levels are high.”

In addition to breathing exercises, kids in yoga camp also learn a variety of poses, such as “Volcano Jumps” and “Donkey Kicks,” which can release energy, and traditional warrior poses to find internal strength. Animal poses are combined with those kids can create using their imaginations, so each class lends itself to a unique adventure.

It’s only a matter of time before kids turn into the highly stressed adults many of us have become. Childhood, however, should be as stress-free as possible.

If you have children or work with children, how do you help them manage stress? Do your kids take yoga? What positive changes have you noticed in them?

1 COMMENT FROM MacNessa June 4, 2010 at 8:55 am

I love yoga. In fact I really should be practicing it more, it’s hugely beneficial! Especially in times of stress, which lets face it, is *always* !

2 COMMENT FROM mary June 4, 2010 at 7:12 pm

I love the idea of yoga for kids and enjoy it myself. I was so excited and then I went to the link you left and was again so excited until I scrolled down and saw the price. WOW! Don’t have it but we do have membership to the club. Tough. I think I will buy the dvd yoga for kids. But thanks for the info on it.

3 COMMENT FROM Kristi June 5, 2010 at 10:04 am

Ness-Definitely. It should be a workplace requirement, I think!

Mary-I love the idea of yoga for kids as well. I can think of so many benefits, from relaxation before bed to de-stressing before a quiz, to improving coordination.

Jennifer Hess, the Midtown Yoga Camp for Kids instructor, has her own blog, Karma Spot for Kids Yoga, which is filled with ideas and tips designed to help kids benefit from yoga. Check it out:

http://karmaspot.wordpress.com/.

Also, next Saturday, June 12th, from 2-3:30, there’s a free Midtown Varsity Kickoff Event, on the pool deck and lawn where kids and parents can participate in all the youth sport programs. Yoga is included, so you might want to check it out with your kids. Food and drink is provided too, so it sounds like a lot of fun.

4 COMMENT FROM Holly at Tropic of Mom June 7, 2010 at 5:47 pm

I just got some exercise videos that are for kids to do with them. We’ll see how it goes!

5 COMMENT FROM Kristi June 9, 2010 at 6:32 am

Holly-I would love to hear any recommendations you have about good “yoga for kids” DVDs. Let me know!

6 COMMENT FROM Sally June 12, 2010 at 12:21 pm

Maybe instead of signing up a child for one more class adding something else to their list of things to do, they could just go outside and play and just be kids, instead of being mini-adults with high stress levels and ever increasing organized activities. Rather than try and put a band aid on the problem of stressed children, why don’t we let their lives slow down a little and solve the problem.

7 COMMENT FROM Kristi June 12, 2010 at 2:11 pm

Sally-I agree with you. Kids are overscheduled, and I certainly don’t think having a long list of weekly activities does anything beneficial for their stress levels.

That said, while other more competitive activities might add to kids’ stress, studies have shown that yoga actually reduces kids’ stress levels AND has the added benefit of keeping them active. It also allows for relaxation, and enhances the mind/body connection. I see all of these things as helping kids, rather than hurting them.

8 COMMENT FROM Sammie Karimi June 13, 2010 at 7:50 am

Very usefull website! It gives me inspiration every day. Thank you. Kai Dorland

9 COMMENT FROM Jennifer June 16, 2010 at 1:10 pm

Mary, please look into the kids yoga classes during the year. They are free to members! ~ Jennifer Hess

10 October 21, 2011 at 2:04 am

Pingback: 4 Ways Your Kids Benefit from Midtown Membership | Blog | Midtown Athletic Club

11 April 10, 2012 at 1:57 am

Pingback: GirlPower! Kicks Negative Media Messages Off the Mat | Blog | Midtown Athletic Club

Post a Comment

Name *

Your Full Name *

Your Email *

Comments *

 

 

 

 

Enter All required fields

GO