The Yoga rules

By Sarah Russell

Kids today are exposed to so many different stress factors - from regular homework to rivalries with other children to the general over-scheduling that seems to fill many calendars. Unfortunately, children aren't taught to manage stress the way adults are, and this untreated stress can result in mood swings, fatigue and even illness. Yoga can be a great way for kids to unwind, release pent-up energy and reduce overall stress.

In addition to relieving stress, yoga has been proven to help hyperactive children gain more control of themselves and their lives. Everyone knows that kids have an innate need to be active - stop by a local elementary school if you don't believe me! Yoga can help by giving kids the outlet for movement and self-stimulation that they need to explore these impulses in a positive manner.

Some yoga poses are more suited for children than others. Kids tend to respond well to the warrior and tree positions. Both of these poses help to infuse kids with calm, confidence and a sense of inner balance.

The secret to really engaging kids in the practice of yoga is to get them thinking about what the real posture means. For example, when practicing the warrior pose, encourage children to believe that they are strong, powerful warriors. In the tree pose, ask them to focus on the energy of a tree and demonstrate it through their movements.

Another great yoga technique for children is visualization exercises. These exercises help students relax by thinking of positive images or other things they enjoy. Encourage kids to focus on breathing from their bellies and consider playing relaxing music to help facilitate the exercise. If your children aren't able to focus at first, instruct them to imagine that they are floating in outer space, catching a few rays on a secluded beach, playing their favorite sport or taking part in an activity they enjoy doing. Over time, it will become easier for them to focus and guide themselves in visualization exercises.

At the end of each relaxation exercise, you can encourage your children to share their experiences. Ask them to describe the surroundings that they visualized and the feelings they experienced. Doing so will help encourage closer bonds between you and your children and reinforce the positive experience of visualization. A word of caution though - this sharing exercise works best with younger children. As kids grow into teens, they may not feel as comfortable sharing their visions, especially if they center on a certain special friend. That's fine. Don't press the issue and make your child feel uncomfortable; just encourage him or her to continue relaxation exercises privately.

If your children are having trouble forming their own positive images during visualization exercises, you can help form and guide their imaginations by telling a calming story. Children have wonderfully active imaginations and will enjoy listening to your story and experiencing it in their minds. Tell them about a walk near a green pasture or about a young child who turned into a butterfly, flying around a beautiful garden. Any story is fine, just remember that the goal here is to deliver a sense of peace and calmness.

Children who are taught yoga at a young age tend to be more relaxed at home, more focused at school and more likely to engage in healthy, positive relationships. In addition, these kids are more likely to maintain healthy habits throughout life and to respect the union of the mind, body and spirit. Do your child a favor and begin practicing yoga together!

Want to learn more about how yoga can change your life? Check out Sarah Russell's new book - The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Meditation - at:

http://www.Mind-Body-Connection.com