The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

Yoga is a viable solution to teen stress. However, some adults cannot understand the nature of teen anxiety and stress. Some will state that "Kids nowadays have it better than any previous generation." This reminds me of the self-absorbed statement, "I have problems of my own."

Adults are often familiar with terms like: Commuter traffic, job burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome, and work overload. These are the conditions adults recognize as stressors, but let's take a close look at just one of them.

Work overload is what happens when your co-workers were terminated, in order to streamline the company. Afterward, management decides that you must do your job and the work of your former co-workers. They also demand that you accomplish all of this within 40 hours per week.

After you are "pulling your hair out" to do the impossible for a few weeks, your company lets you know that you can work unlimited overtime. By now, you have come to the realization that you will never be able to keep up with all the work, even if you work 84 hours per week.

So, what's the problem? You will make a lot of money, sacrifice family time, and give up your personal life. After all, we have it better than any previous generation, right? I hope you see my point.

Stress is different for all of us. A teenager may feel like the world is "caving in," when Mom and Dad get a divorce, peer pressure gets out of hand, or final exams are coming up. Adults have felt high stress levels before.

Most teens are becoming self-aware for the first time. This is why Yoga is such a good form of therapy. In fact, it would be wise to expose children to Yoga classes at an early age. As a result, each child would learn how to handle stress and anxiety at an early age.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html