Children’s brain development begins in the womb and continues throughout their lives. The first few years are crucial because our nervous system is constantly receiving messages from the environment through our senses. Once received, it needs to be processed in ways that make sense so the body can give an efficient and effective response.
Yoga is a powerful tool for child development. When describing the benefits of yoga, I often tell people to imagine children as “conductors of an orchestra- advocates of their own bodies”. Yoga teaches them how to “communicate with ALL performers to set the tempo, adjust the sound, to interpret and shape the music so it’s wonderful”. Some children have difficulty processing sensory inputs which gets them off balance and not easily direct the music. This may be due to disruptions to this process like insufficient sleep, poor diet, stress, toxins in our environment, and much more.
Yoga Can Support ANY children including those experiencing difficulties in:
- Sensory Processing
- Motor Development- strength, balance, coordination, & flexibility
- Planning and Organization
- Stress and Anxiety Management
- Communication/Expression & Release of Difficult Emotions
- Self-Awareness
Sensory-based yoga programs are designed in ways to meet the needs of all children at all levels of sensory functioning. The common objective is to help youth gain knowledge of how their body functions so they can become the best advocates for what they need when faced with confusing and stressful situations.
Find out more about specialized yoga programs on YournextdoorOT’s website.