Emotional wellness is defined as the ability to process feelings in a healthy and positive way and manage the stress of everyday life.
Children may
experience pressure from parents, teachers, peers and even from within
themselves. This pressure can take many forms; some are minor bothers and
others are major disturbances. Children must develop resilience in order to
respond and adapt. Emotional wellness helps us see things from a different
perspective.
Our goal as parents, teachers and caregivers is to help children realize that the world is a better place because they are in it, that they have something to contribute. This motivates them and gives them purpose.
Not all stress is a bad thing. Children learn about themselves as they learn about stress. Stress challenges us and successfully managing stressful situations enhances a child's ability to cope with future difficulties. They learn how to traverse life’s mountains and valleys. However, when the stress is intense, it can affect the body, mind, and emotions.
Consistent daily stresses, though minor, often have consequences
and we know major events can have lasting effects on health and well-being. Individual
temperament determines how a child perceives and responds to stress as does age
and development. Some children are
naturally easy going, whereas change can throw others off balance.
Children can improve their ability to handle stress. Emotional
support from family and friends helps, as does having previously succeeded in
managing life’s challenges and strong sense of self-esteem is essential.
Yoga has proven to have positive impacts on health including
helping children to enhance their sense of self-esteem. In numerous studies, yoga has repeatedly been
shown to;
·
Increase self-confidence
·
manage stress and anxiety
·
regulate emotions
·
reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity
Yoga is more than exercise. Although exercise actives the mind
in addition to the body, the practice of yoga is meant to bring the two
together. The word yoga means union, and it is much more than merely the postures most of us are familiar
with.
Yoga offers a release from our day to day stress. It focuses on
the action of connecting breath and movement. Yoga can help kids learn to live
in the moment, focus on the task at hand, and handle problems peacefully.
Each particular posture has been cultivated over thousands of
years to bring about effects in the mind and body. The postures not only
stretch muscles they also constrict muscles. Children become more aware of their body and
how it functions. Some poses are more difficult than others and kids should go slow and take
it easy.
The more often your child practices yoga, the greater the benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends yoga as a safe and potentially effective therapy for children coping with emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral health conditions. Childhood is a great time to create healthy habits including yoga. Creating a yoga practice habit can have many positive impacts, some of the physical benefits include improved;
·
balance, strength and flexibility
· coordination and concentration
·
digestive system
and so much more
Conscious breathing and a simple pose or two can be important
tools for managing stresses as well as everyday challenges. Introduce your
child to yoga with A Yoga Storytelling
Adventure!
Click on the link to get your FREE ebook; Wednesday and Thursday, October 12 and 13
for Emotional Wellness Month!
We are grateful for the Reads and the REVIEWS!!
Paperbacks always available (see the sidebar) and remember Books make Great Gifts!
Om Shanti,
Kathe
