Guest post by Anna Miller
Yoga dates back to several thousand years. This ancient system has been time tested and proved to be effective in improving our body functions and attain harmony of the soul, spirit and the body. There are various postures called asanas, which when performed in the correct manner will help to relieve numerous ailments. Yoga promotes a healthy living and you can definitely derive the benefits in the long term.
Kids these days are under severe academic pressure from all fronts; parents, teachers and friends. They are stressed out by the tiring rigors of school life. School education is definitely an integral part of life, but what we can do is to alleviate their mental and physical stress. It is necessary that schools incorporate yoga as a part of their physical education classes. Yoga helps to relieve stress in kids, apart from building self confidence, improved mental ability, creativity and flexibility.
Breathing exercises form an inherent part of yoga. Performing breathing exercises improves the oxygen flow to the brain, keeping it always alert, thus improving a kid’s intellect. The chanting of the OM mantra, calms the mind and has a relaxing effect on the mind as well as the body. Basic exercises like the ones mentioned below are suitable for school kids.
1. Downward Dog Pose
School kids sit for long hours which may result in back stiffness. Lugging around heavy bags also takes a toll on the back. The downward dog pose is very effective in stretching the back and relieving the pain.
Be on the floor on all your fours. Rest on your knees and stretch your hands frontwards. Stretch your body backwards (see how your dog stretches). Be in the position and count to ten. Keep your breathing relaxed.
2. Butterfly Pose
Sit on the floor; get your feet together, such that the soles of the feet touch each other. Hold the toes with your hands and flap your legs up and down (like how birds and butterflies flap their wings)
3. Tree Pose
This pose improves your concentration. Stand erect. Standing on the left leg, raise your right leg, bend it at the knees and place your right foot on the inner left thigh.
Raise your hands together stretched to the extent you can over your head. Keep your elbows straight and join the palms. Relax your breathing concentrate your gaze on a particular spot imagining as though there is something there. Hold this position to the count of ten. Get your hands down slowly to your sides and stand on both feet. Repeat the same with the other leg.
4. Lotus Pose
This pose goes by the name of Padmasana and is one of the very basic yoga poses. This helps to keep the spine erect and improves posture. It is while seated in Padmasana that you perform the Pranayama or the breathing techniques, which help in improving the overall health.
Be seated on a yoga mat. Bring your left leg on top of your right thigh and your right leg on your left thigh. Keep your hands stretched resting on the knees, fold in your thumb and index finger, and spread your other 3 fingers outwards. Start your OM chanting while alternately holding and releasing your breath. Take a deep breath at O and release slowly at M.
Yoga if started at a young age will have wonderful benefits for your health. It is ideal to perform yoga exercises three times a week.
Anna loves to blog on belly fat reduction. To know more about her updates please view How to lose belly fat
