Article from Stefanie Mastbeth at Behaved Brain
Yoga has become the newest trend for kids and adults. Parents, teachers, and researchers are becoming aware of how beneficial yoga can be on the mind, body, and soul. Some of the benefits yoga for both kids and adults include increased mood, reduced anxiety, improved cognitive functioning, and increased flexibility and bone strength. Having a consistent asana (poses) practice can transform your body for the better!
Asanas are not the only beneficial part of practicing yoga. The breath work (pranayama) included in yoga practices is also beneficial! Pranayama incorporated in yoga helps us relieve emotional stress and tension. As much as 70% of toxins in our bodies can be released just by breathing properly!
Let’s try a pranayama exercise. Exhale all the air through the nostrils, emptying your lungs. Inhale through the nose for a count of 1, 2, 3, 4. Hold your breath for a moment. Exhale through your nose for a count of 1, 2, 3, 4. This pranayama is a nice grounding breath to connect back with our bodies and feel relaxed. Repeat this breath for a total of three times.
Another limb of yoga that can be done incorporated into a yoga practice or just by itself is meditation or dhyana. Meditation has numerous benefits for both kids and adults. Some of the benefits of meditation include reducing the stress hormone, cortisol, assists with our ability to process emotions, improves memory, and reduces anxiety.
Meditations can range from listening to the sounds of nature to chanting a mantra or a word/phrase that is influential to you. Some mantras can be “I am” statements such as “I am brave” or “I am strong.” Let us try picking an “I am” statement that resonates with you and chanting that ten times, slowly, with your eyes closed.
For the next week, challenge yourself and your family to engage in an asana, pranayama, or dhyana practice and see how they can be beneficial for your every-day life!
Namaste!
Feel free to reach out to us at Behaved Brain to answer your questions on how to increase positive behaviors in the home.
Stefanie Mastbeth, Master’s Degree – Licensed Associate Counselor – Certified Yoga Therapist
Behaved Brain Wellness Center