YOGA FOR YOUNG MINDS: NURTURING HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN CHILDREN

Kanika Budhlakoti* and Tejendra Singh

ABSTRACT

In the fast-paced modern world, children face numerous challenges that impact their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As society becomes increasingly reliant on technology and sedentary lifestyles, it is crucial to introduce children to holistic practices that promote their overall health and development. This article highlights the significance of incorporating Yoga into children's lives to foster a balanced and thriving state of being.The physical health benefits of Yoga are multifaceted, as it enhances flexibility, strength, and balance. Regular practice of Yoga in children supports healthy musculoskeletal development, improves posture, and boosts the immune system. Furthermore, Yoga's mindful breathing techniques and meditation practices instill emotional stability and resilience, enabling children to manage stress and anxiety effectively.Yoga have a positive impact on children's cognitive abilities, enhancing concentration, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. By encouraging self-awareness and introspection, Yoga empowers children to develop emotional intelligence and empathy, nurturing positive social interactions and self-esteem. In present era, dependency over inventions increases day by day which decreases the physical workload from everyone‟s shoulder leading to various metabolic disorders such as Obesity, Diabetes etc. Yoga act as preventive measures with lifestyle modifications. Yoga provides training of mind and body to bring emotional balance.Children need such tools to listen inward to their bodies, feelings, and ideas. Yoga may assist them in developing in sound ways, to strengthen themselves, and be contributing social beings. One reason why children experience stress and mental health challenges is that globalization exposes the youth all over the world to various new demands, standards, and options. There is also increased pressure to succeed in school, partly due to increased competition but also a diverse range of options available for children in contemporary times than in the past. The dominant presence of multimedia devices and the time spent on them by children are clear indicators of the shift in lifestyles and priorities of our new generation. Yoga help children cope with stress and thus, contribute positively to balance in life, well-being, and mental health. We present research literature suggesting that yoga improves children‟s physical and mental well-being. Similarly, Yoga in schools helps students improve resilience, mood, and self-regulation skills pertaining to emotions and stress.

Keywords: Yoga, Children, Breathing techniques and Meditation, Well-being, Mental health.