Adolescence is indeed an extremely important stage in a child’s development and requires special attention and focus. During this period, multiple physical, psychological, cognitive, and social changes occur.
Yoga classes help teens to listen to their inner self since it leads to their internal healing of past and present wounds, opening their spaces for regeneration, unblocking emotions, and overcoming fears, thus maintaining a connection between body, mind, and spirit.
In addition, regular Yoga practice also leads to acceptance, helping the teenager to feel more connected and aware of their body, accepting their image in a healthier way.
Another crucial point is letting go of material possessions. This is because, in a world where cell phones, social networks, and the internet are almost compulsively used, it becomes difficult to disconnect from all of this and experience the moment. However, the moral and ethical principles of Yoga—the Yamas and Niyamas—aid in this journey of self-discovery and growth.
Yoga provides a set of values and tools for a teen’s life, such as physical postures, meditative techniques, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.
Ásanas improves physical strength, joint flexibility, agility, body awareness, muscle strength, motor coordination, and even creativity. Furthermore, physical postures affect the body's subtle energies and cause psychological and physiological changes.
Meditation improves heart rate, cognitive and emotional balance, reduces psychophysical apathy, anxiety self-control, and reduces physical and emotional stress symptoms. Teens can benefit from the inner peace that meditation provides by practicing it on a regular basis, embracing values such as empathy, tolerance, honesty, trust, and patience. As a result, they become much more composed in the face of adversity.
Teenagers overcome obstacles in a positive way with Pránáyáma, utilizing the tools of self-control required in stressful situations.
Conscious breathing has a very powerful impact, it keeps us in the here and now. Living in the present while connecting with the body, it is the perfect antidote to anxiety, fear, distress, and frustration.
Yoganidrá, the transitional stage between sleep and awake, transports the student into a deep level of relaxation, aiming to recover energy from daily tensions and granting freedom from anxiety cycles. Several scientific studies show that deep relaxation not only reduces stress, chronic anxiety, and depression, but also aids in the recovery from traumatic events and a variety of other psychological illnesses.
Yoga benefits for adolescents:
- Enhances humor
- Increases concentration
- Improves physical strength, agility, and flexibility
- Reduces anxiety and impulsiveness
- Develops positive thinking
- Helps overcoming teens challenges
- Improves mental health
- Promotes self-esteem and self-acceptance
- Improves sleep and overall well-being
- Reduces stress and prevents blockages during assessments.
- Lessens depression symptoms
