5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults
In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.
They don’t have time to be self aware!
Anxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.
Or it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.
We stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare?
Sports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.
Do we ever teach them how to just be?
This is why I offer a Kids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!
Here are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.
1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.
We all know that happier kids make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!
Kids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood.
Just like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better.
They do everything better. Just like adults do.
They’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.
Speaking of being themselves...
2. Yoga helps children self regulate
How can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives.
They’re told what to do and when and how.
A regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.
Kids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a two week free trial at myYogaTeacher.
3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.
Did you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night?
With parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.
They’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.
Practicing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.
The breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.
4. Yoga helps their brains work better.
Yep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.
Kids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.
Yoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.
The meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.
5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.
Adults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021.
Long gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.
Competition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.
Parents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.
Yoga for kids gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.
So why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?
Do you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? Check out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class when you sign up for your free two-week trial at myYogaTeacher!
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{"slug":"yoga-for-kids","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love. Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday, January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl9s4f2wg45y20bisfv9nhv0v","slug":"get-100-referral-program","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Get $100 of MyYogaTeacher Credit When You Tell a Friend","createdAt":"2022-10-28T06:36:02.028069+00:00","coverUrl":"ziyg3qyvb72azdwsddrj.png","content":{"text":"You get $100 of MyYogaTeacher credit when you tell a friend and they become a member. Your friend or family member also gets $100 of credit \\nwhen they sign up using the link on your account here\\n\\n\\nWith all the stress and anxiety in the world, people are coping in more and more unhealthy ways. Binge eating, watching shorter-faster-more addictive videos, and neglecting self-care altogether.\n\\nI got involved with \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n to \\nmake the world a healthier and happier place\\n. Genuinely, \\nyoga does this\\n. It's probably helped you to feel better... maybe better than you've ever felt!\n\\nI believe that MyYogaTeacher – live sessions with authentic Indian \\nyoga teachers\\n – is one of the most powerful ways to spread the peace, compassion, and joy that yoga brings into the world.\n\\nRecently, we saw that \\na ton of our new community members hear about MyYogaTeacher from you!\\n\\nThat's why, \\nfor the next few months, we're going to do everything we can to encourage you to spread the word on yoga, and tell your friends about MyYogaTeacher!\\n\n\\nNow, whenever you tell a friend about MyYogaTeacher and they become a member – you will both get $100 of MyYogaTeacher credit!\n\\n\\nHow to Tell a Friend\\nClick \\nhere\\n and login to go to the “Tell a Friend” page\\nInvite your friend by copying your unique share link and sending it to them, or just input their email and we’ll send them an invitation \\nYour friend will get a 2-week free trial plus 3 1-on-1 sessions\\nWhen they sign up for membership, you both get $100 of MyYogaTeacher Credit!\n\n\\nAAANNNNDDD, \\nsoon we'll be announcing a special referral contest\\n – where anyone who refers a friend or family member to MyYogaTeacher (whether they become a member or not), will be entered into a raffle to \\nwin a trip to Goa, all expenses paid for 2 people!\\n\n\\n\\nThe $100 for you, $100 for your friend, and a chance to win a trip to Goa are all cool - but really, \\nthat's not the best part.\\n \\n\\nYou know what the best part is... \n\\nImagine \\nyour loved ones feeling more relaxed, more at peace, more confident, healthy, and happy\\n. What would that look like? \\n\\n... Now that's the best part. Everyone wins when we're happier, healthier, more peaceful, and more caring towards each other.\\n\\nThat's all for now, I hope you have a beautiful holiday season with all your loved ones.\\n\\nOh, and \\nkeep your eyes peeled for an email from me announcing the start of the referral contest where you can win a trip to Goa for 2!\\n\n\\nFAQ\\n\\nIf I’m already a member and I refer a friend, when do I get the $100 credit?\\nAfter your friend signs up for membership, you get the $100 credit beginning on your next billing cycle. If you’re on a plan that costs less than $100 per billing cycle, you’ll get the full $100, but it will be consumed over more than 1 month.\\n\\nIf I’m not a member and I refer a friend, when do I get the $100 credit?\\nAfter your friend signs up for membership, the $100 credit will become available to you. If you sign up for membership, it will be applied starting the 2nd month (this is a limitation of our system). Your monthly rate will be reduced until the full $100 is consumed. Or, if you’d prefer not to sign up for membership, you can apply the $100 credit to any workshop.\\n\\nMy friend referred me, when do I get the $100 credit?\\nOnce you sign up for membership, both you and your friend will get $100 of credit. Your credit will be applied starting your 2nd billing cycle (this is a limitation of our system). If you sign up for a plan that costs less than $100 per billing cycle, the credit will be consumed over more than 1 month.\\n\\nIs there a time limit on this offer?\\nYes, this offer ends on Dec 31st 2022. So for you and your friend to get $100 of MyYogaTeacher credit, the referred friend must sign up for membership on or before December 31st, 2022.\\n\\nIf you have any questions, feel free to email us at \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n and we’ll answer you promptly."}},{"id":"cknrms0iwi8eo0b79spx1oakp","slug":"what-is-vinyasa-yoga","author":{"name":"Pamela","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Finding Your Yoga: Is Vinyasa Yoga Right for You?","createdAt":"2021-04-21T15:48:41.654072+00:00","coverUrl":"cknrms0iwi8eo0b79spx1oakp.jpg","content":{"text":"Just like you have a pizza preference, preferred workout location, or favorite type of toothbrush, you’ll definitely figure out that not all yoga is created equal. \\n\\nYou’ll find a preference. So how do you find the type of yoga that works for you?\\n\\nThere are so many yoga words floating around. Ashtanga, hatha, Iyengar, \\nvinyasa\\n. There’s power yoga, HIIT yoga, yoga for your core, yoga for flexibility. Aaaaaaaaaaall the yogas!\\n\\nSometimes, particularly if you’re just starting your yoga journey, you need guidance.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThen you can come try out my class, \\nGo With the Flow - Vinyasa Yoga!\\n We have a lot of fun!\\n\\nVinyasa yoga is one you probably hear a lot. It’s almost a buzzword. Especially in yoga studios and gyms!\\n\\nSo let’s talk about what it is and if it’ll be the right fit for you!\\n\\nWhat is vinyasa yoga anyway?\\n\\nA vinyasa is a smooth transition between asanas (poses). The idea of vinyasa yoga is that you glide from one pose to the next seamlessly, using your breath to guide your physical movements.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga is a practice where many asanas are performed in what is called a flow. The practice is often not the same each time and fairly unstructured, which is nice because it creates new challenges each time. Plus, no one gets bored of the same old routine!\\n\\nWhile many instructors do make sure there are modifications in a vinyasa yoga class, there are a few things you should know before trying one out.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga isn’t for everyone right away.\\n\\nWhat is your fitness level?\\n\\nI am in no way saying that if you’re unfit, you should avoid vinyasa yoga. \\n\\nHowever, if you prefer a slower, relaxed yoga practice, vinyasa yoga isn’t for you. It’s usually a pretty fast paced practice and you’ll definitely get your daily dose of cardio by doing it! So be prepared to sweat.\\n\\nAlso, if you’re not familiar with matching your breath to your movements, and controlling your breathing (when you maybe feel like you’re dying...lol), then you might want to wait on this practice. \\n\\nUnless it’s specifically labeled for beginners. Then, by all means, go for it.\\n\\n\\nAre you an experienced yogi?\\n\\nI believe anyone can do any kind of yoga practice. But why make it more difficult than it has to be?\\n\\nNot knowing the poses when you’re in a big group of yoga enthusiasts can be pretty embarrassing. Which, I might add, is a benefit of taking myYogaTeacher classes. No one can see you but your teacher! And that’s only if you want them to. \\n\\nIf you’re not very experienced in the world of yoga, I recommend practicing common vinyasa yoga poses that you’ll encounter in a vinyasa yoga class. And practice them before taking the class!\\n\\nHere are some examples of vinyasa yoga poses you should be familiar with:\\n\\nUpward facing dog.\\nDownward facing dog.\\nChaturanga.\\nWarrior 1, 2 and 3 (three separate poses).\\nPlank.\\nLow lunge.\\n\\nAnd be prepared to quickly move from one pose to the next in your vinyasa practice. Because it can be challenging.\\n\\nSpeaking of challenges.\\n\\nWhat are the goals of your practice?\\n\\nDo you want to be challenged? Do you prefer focusing on core strength and posture or overall strength and flexibility? Do you want cardio or do you want slow and steady? Weight loss? Building muscle?\\n\\nIt’s important to examine what your goals are before you begin your practice. Even day to day.\\n\\nOne day your goal may be to get in some cardio and another day your goal may be to focus on stress relief. Whatever your goal is, make sure the type of yoga you’re going to practice that day matches your needs.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga can be extremely challenging or moderately challenging. Either way it’s not the easiest form of yoga to do. The focus will almost always be on overall strength, flexibility, cardio, and synchronizing the breath with the flow of movements.\\n\\nThat’s why vinyasa yoga is excellent for weight loss! It’s easy on your joints but also a vigorous workout. I just want to make sure you’re prepared for it!\\n\\n\\n\\nSo the truth is vinyasa yoga is right for anyone and everyone who wants to give it a go. But it’s always safe to go into something new well-prepared, right?\\n\\nThere’s a difference between being challenged in your practice and being so frustrated that you want to quit after the first sun salutation. I want you to feel like you are capable and empowered in whatever type of yoga you choose! So take these questions into consideration before jumping into your first vinyasa yoga class.\\n\\n\\nYou’re always invited to try out my Go With the Flow - Vinyasa Yoga class!\\n We have a lot of fun. I promise you’ll burn calories, sweat, and be challenged. And if you get frustrated, I’m right there to help and chat about how to make the class work for you!\\n\\nNot a myYogaTeacher member yet? You should check it out! There are 35+ different classes offered daily. Group and 1:1 classes. It’s such a supportive environment to practice yoga! \\nGrab your 2-week free trial here!\\n\\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckfqxov60014x0178pen9w4xk","slug":"why-i-started-myyogateacher","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"Why we started myYogaTeacher","createdAt":"2020-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"image-1_37.png","content":{"text":"\\n\\n\\nHaving started 3 companies, I believe, there are two kinds of startup ideas.\\n\\nFirst, there are ideas that make intellectual sense – I mean ideas where you can think of a need, talk to customers and imagine a way to deliver a service in an economically viable fashion to address that need.\\n\\nBut myYogaTeacher is the second kind of idea. The ideas where you personally feel the need. These are ideas where you feel a sense of \\nmission\\n and you are compelled to pursue them because you feel that the universe and your entire life has been building up for you to bring the idea to reality.\\n\\nYou see – My name – Jitendra – is derived from Sanskrit and it means “one who has control of his senses.” For the most part, I felt I lived up to this but while running my previous startup I found myself miserable and losing control.\\n\\nOn the outside, I had it all together. I owned successful companies, had tons of friends and a great family. I had everything I wanted and worked so hard for … but despite all of that, I had thoughts running like trains in my head I could not control, I was not sleeping well, not exercising enough, counting the days to my next break and feeling like there was more to life. There was something that I was missing. You know what I mean?\\n\\nI felt sad and depressed pretty much every day. My eating habits were terrible and all my efforts to improve fell flat. My mind circled in unhealthy thought patterns that I just couldn’t stop.\\n\\nI didn’t feel good in my body, I didn’t feel good in my mind, and I didn’t feel good in my life.\\n\\nNow, I’m originally from India. Of course I had heard about Yoga since I was a child. Even here in America, Yoga is a big deal. A regular \\nYoga practice\\n creates peace, drastically increases health and well-being and can even help you to lose weight.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThese were all the things I desperately needed.\\n\\nBut, despite knowing all that, I didn’t want to go to a yoga studio! I was out of shape, totally inflexible and just plain self-conscious.\\n\\nMy old friend, who lived in India and practiced Yoga everyday, said the best way to learn yoga was the classic Guru–shishya relationship that has been passed down for generations. To put this in modern terms (and to pass on the outdated “guru” idea), this meant having a connection with a teacher to learn from directly. A teacher who could get to know me and my unique struggles. My friend offered to find someone for me and I agreed.\\n\\nHe delivered!!!\\n\\nHe found me Pranjal, a yoga teacher with 8 years of teaching experience and 1,600 hours of certified teacher training! Yes, you read that correctly – a whopping 1,600 hours of training.\\n\\nBut, she lived in Pune, India and I was in California! So we decided to try practicing through video calls.\\n\\nI was skeptical – Yoga is a physical thing! Was she going to see me well? Would she be able to tell how I was doing and give me the guidance I needed? I was just starting out and was going to need A LOT of help.\\n\\nBut Pranjal was amazing!\\n\\nShe helped me build the strength and \\nflexibility\\n to perform the postures really well. She guided me towards realistic goals. I could feel and notice the improvement in each session.\\n\\nThe flexibility, strength and ability to meet challenging postures in my yoga practice was spilling into my mental health as well.\\n\\nI was happier, calmer and able to make healthier decisions (and stick to them). I was losing weight and the stress from building my businesses practically vanished. I still get stressed but I don’t take it home with me.\\n\\nAfter a few months, I felt ready to go practice in a yoga studio…\\n\\nWhat. A. Disappointment!!!\\n\\nAfter all the 1-on-1 personal attention I was getting from Pranjal, it was a bitter experience to finally feel ready to practice in public. The teacher had no time to focus on me.\\n\\nYeah, she would do (MAYBE) one correction during the class. But nothing more. She didn’t KNOW my body the way Pranjal did. She didn’t help me to set goals or work toward them. She didn’t change the pace of the class when I felt ready to\\n\\nIn the group classes, I was just another one of 30 people the teacher needed to keep track of.\\n\\nAfter a few classes of that, I sprinted back to Pranjal!\\n\\nBut something was off…with all my tech skills and entrepreneurial spirit, I needed to share this with other people. I knew there were tons of people too busy to go to a studio, too shy to practice in front of others. People who need and want the 1-on-1 personal attention that will help them to progress, heal, and grow fast!\\n\\nI knew there were so many people out there ready and waiting for yoga to transform their lives.\\n\\nWith a team of amazing people, I started myYogaTeacher to improve physical and mental well being of the entire planet. To help empower you to take positive steps forward in your life. And even to heal the symptoms of pain and illness that we’ve seen yoga heal.\\n\\nSound’s big, doesn’t it?\\n\\nIt’s a bold mission, but I also know that our teachers have the power to make it a reality for every one of our students. So I brought together a team of awesome engineers to start working on myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nBut, most importantly, I hired a group of scouts in India to find the best yoga teachers in the country.\\n\\nAfter 8 months of hard work, it’s time for the big test! We launched recently and I am so excited to see this venture grow. I value all of my businesses, but helping people improve their physical and mental health through a personal connection to one of the best \\nYoga teachers\\n of the East is close to my heart.\\n\\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\\n\\nI genuinely hope you try and enjoy your time with myYogaTeacher. We would sincerely love to hear from you. Email us, call us or chat with us through the app.\\n\\nYour friends in growth, health and wellbeing!\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"ckfqxl6g801170178mjc0v6h5","slug":"company-mission-culture","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"MyYogaTeacher mission & culture","createdAt":"2019-01-26T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"culture1.jpg","content":{"text":"Our mission: Improve physical and mental well being of the entire planet\\n\\n\\nOur commitments to each other\\n\\n1. Genuine care for our customers: Be nice and gentle with the customer. Listen to them before responding. Work on making every interaction a positive one for our customers. E.g. if a customer is not happy with a session and wants a refund - we should accept that they are not happy and give them a refund. E.g. The customer did not like a particular session, even though we think it was great - we should accept customers judgement and try and understand what we can do better to meet customer's expectations and not waste time trying to change the customer's judgement. \\n\\n2. Have fun: We have fun while working. We celebrate our co-workers and celebrate every large and small victory with each other.\\n\\n3. Respect for the each other: We respect each other as \\nindividuals\\n. This means:\\nProfessionalism: We respect and treat each other as professionals. We help everybody grow, train and develop in order to achieve their full potential.\\nAutonomy: Respect everybody's opinions and their ability to make decisions.\\nIndividual worth: Everybody has inherent worth. We do not label or typecast. We give everybody a chance to grow.\\nAffirmation: We affirm positives in each person.\\n\\n4. Frugality: We are frugal in terms of spending money. We do not splurge on things that do not have a direct impact on making customers happy. We are wise with spending our resources.\\n\\n5. Hiring well: Hiring is a key function of the company. We focus, train and reward hiring well to ensure that we give hiring the utmost importance.\\n\\n6. Encouraging risk-taking: We embrace failure as an important part of learning. We realize that big projects require iterations and in such cases, we don't let perfection be the enemy of getting started. If we learned something new by executing fast, taking risk and failing, we are growing. We need not be afraid of failure. Risk taking, executing fast and failing fast is far better. Failure to learn is the biggest negative outcome.\\n\\n7. Understanding the value of time: We are focussed on moving fast as time is the ultimate limited resource. We are always trying to find ways to speed up learning and to reduce time for tasks by planning, collaborating and communicating better.\\n"}},{"id":"ckfqywdiw01uz01794buptfjc","slug":"the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"The Simple Guide to the 8 Limbs of Yoga","createdAt":"2019-08-06T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"yama-definition-1_45.png","content":{"text":"Yoga is comprised of 8 parts, and each part matters. Asana, which we often think of as \\nYoga\\n, are the postures we do in a class. You’ll notice Asana is only 1 part!\\n\\nDon’t be intimidated by the Sanskrit language for these - when you break it all down, it’s actually simple. It definitely falls into the category of “simpler said than done” but it is a concise guidebook. \\n\\nYamas and Niyamas\\n\\nWe start with the \\nYamas\\n and the Niyamas, which are lovingly called the do and do nots. They fall closely in line with just general good behavior. The purpose of these steps is to build an internal integrity and a clean unruffled perspective. \\n\\nFor example, if you keep your house in good order, it becomes easier for you to move through it. If you keep it very messy and cluttered, you might move slower through your hallways or even have trouble finding things. In this example, the house is your mind and body. The Yamas and Niyamas help you to keep your mind and body in order. \\n\\nAsana\\n\\nThese are the physical postures of yoga. The simple idea is that to maintain the Yogic path of living, you must be healthy. Your body should be strong. Your mind should be open and uncluttered. \\nAsana\\n is a practice that helps us strengthen the bond between the body and mind. \\n\\nPranamaya\\n\\n In Yoga philosophy, Prana is the energy that flows through all things. And before you classify this as new age or spiritual, think of prana as just being “what exists.” Prana is a flow that we all experience. When you are nervous about an upcoming presentation, you feel flutters in your stomach perhaps. This might be a nervous response, but we can symbolically think of this of prana fluttering. When we feel bored, we often also feel heavy and a little sleepy. There are all sorts of physical reasons why - but we can think of this of slow and heavy prana. \\n\\nWith this perspective, Pranamaya helps move this energy around in beneficial ways.\\n\\nIf you feel very nervous, you might notice that taking ten very slow and very deep breaths calms you. This is an example of Pranamaya. \\n\\nPratyhara\\n\\nThis is the practice of training your awareness away from the outside world and turning it inward. We practice Pratyhara by noticing what is going on inside - our habits, our beliefs, our hopes and everything else in between. Here we learn the art of stepping back a little to just notice these internal patterns, doing our best to not criticize them. It can be truly surprising how much change can happen when you just notice something. \\n\\nDharana\\n\\nThis often is referred to as a practice of concentration. We begin to develop the tools for concentration by practicing Asana and Pranamaya. This helps us prepare for meditation. For example, in Asana we concentrate on the pose itself. When practicing Dharana, we might choose an object to singularly focus on. Commonly, concentration on a mantra or even just a single sound can be done. \\n\\nTry Candle Gazing to practice Dharana\\n\\nFind a comfortable seat. \\nGaze\\n at a small flame for a few moments. Close your eyes and focus on the afterimage of the flame. Attempt to think of nothing else other than this image until it disappears.\\n\\nDhyana\\n\\nDhyana follows Dharana as this become a concentration on just the mind. Here, we no longer focus on a thing - we simply have a sharp awareness. We often call this practice meditation or mindfulness. Considering that as humans, we are trained to notice, respond and do so many things with our mind, this practice is absolutely difficult. This is why we first start with Dharana - training the mind to focus and concentrate on a thing before removing that focal point and practicing Dhyana. \\n\\nSamadhi\\n\\nSimply put, Samadhi is experiencing the peace of simply existing. It is being present without stress, anxiety or busy thoughts. There is also a genuine sense of connectedness between you and all other living things. This is the peak moment within the 8limb path - and don’t worry - if you experience Samadhi you won’t be walking around like a zombie with a half-smile. This is an experience that comes and goes and eventually becomes a beautiful backdrop to how you experience your life.\\n"}},{"id":"ckfqyyhww01wi0126n9chm1xw","slug":"yoga-as-personal-therapy","author":{"name":"Shilpi","teacherMytSlug":"shilpi-1","pictureUrl":"shilpi4.jpg"},"title":"Yoga as Personal Therapy","createdAt":"2019-09-09T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"shilpi4.jpg","content":{"text":"During an agitated and confused time in my life, I glimpsed in asana practice the possibility of refuge. As the practice became consistent over the years, that refuge has gone to open something deeper inside me. \\nYoga\\n became the therapy session I spent with myself, the mat became my world creating a space to reclaim the mind-body connection that the difficult phase of my life had severed.\\n\\nWith qualifications having nothing to do with yoga, a BE (Computer Engineering) and an MBA, I found the next natural transition to train to teach yoga. I completed my Yoga Alliance certified 200 Hr Teacher Training under the guidance of Regeesh and Mrinali at Aayana Yoga Academy, Bangalore. The seeds of this desire to share this practice have sprouted, taken root, and now gradually developing baby shoots in my teaching journey. I teach group, personal and corporate classes in Vinyasa, Hatha and \\nProp Yoga\\n. I also manage the operations of a yoga studio and this has given me the opportunity to interact and work with diverse teachers and learn from them, deal with myriad students and get a perspective from both the teacher and students end.\\n\\nShilpi\\n\\nI believe creativity is not about compartmentalising or remaining in a neatly labeled box. With interests in all things to do with art, craft, handmade, homemade, go-green, recycle-reuse-refuse, veganism, healthy eating, baking, minimalism, zero waste, animal compassion - the list goes on - I am one busy yogi, welcome to my chaos! Yoga remains my anchor to this essence, my steady ship amidst seas of change. I believe that yoga gives you the tools to make your own raft to navigate the stormy seas of life and once steady you can also board on others on your raft to take along the way.\\n\\nEven though the category reads ‘instructor’, I believe I will always be a student attending classes to fine tune my practice and find my teaching style true to the the saying 'you can't pour from an empty cup'. I am grateful to all my teachers - without them I wouldn't have been a student and to all my students - without them I wouldn't have been a teacher. I love the experience that comes with seeing people experience the goodness that yoga brings on the mat. Who needs yoga? Honestly, we all do. If you can breathe, you can do yoga! Every last one of us can benefit from building strength, gaining flexibility, and finding a bit of calm in the day. So let’s make that happen…hop on to your mat!\n\nCheck out our latest \\nMud therapy\\n workshop!\\n"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"cklkxgum87xl509314u5faawv","slug":"yoga-for-kids","author":{"name":"Sujit Tiwari","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults","createdAt":"2021-02-25T13:54:08.269963+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-10-20T09:46:01.919945+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-gabby-12-small.jpg","seoDescription":"Kids need yoga too! Discover why kids yoga is on the rise how kids benefit from yoga classes just as much as adults - maybe more!","content":{"text":"In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.\\n\\nThey don’t have time to be self aware!\\n\\nAnxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.\\n\\nOr it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.\\n\\nWe stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? \\n\\nSports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.\\n\\nDo we ever teach them how to just be? \\n\\nThis is why I offer a \\nKids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher\\n! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!\\n\\nHere are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.\\n\\n1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.\\n\\nWe all know that happier \\nkids\\n make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!\\n\\nKids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. \\n\\nJust like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. \\n\\nThey do everything better. Just like adults do.\\n\\nThey’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.\\n\\nSpeaking of being themselves...\\n\\n2. Yoga helps children self regulate\\n\\nHow can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. \\n\\nThey’re told what to do and when and how. \\n\\nA regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.\\n\\nKids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a \\ntwo week free trial at myYogaTeacher.\\n\\n\\n3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.\\n\\nDid you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? \\n\\nWith parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.\\n\\nThey’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.\\n\\nPracticing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.\\n\\nThe breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.\\n\\n4. Yoga helps their brains work better.\\n\\nYep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.\\n\\nKids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.\\n\\nYoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.\\n\\nThe meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.\\n\\n\\n5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.\\n\\nAdults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. \\n\\nLong gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.\\n\\nCompetition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.\\n\\nParents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.\\n\\nYoga for \\nkids\\n gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.\\n\\nSo why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?\\n\\n\\nDo you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? \\nCheck out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class\\n when you sign up for your \\nfree two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! \\n\\n\\n","html":"<p>In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.</p><p></p><p>They don’t have time to be self aware!</p><p></p><p>Anxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.</p><p></p><p>Or it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.</p><p></p><p>We stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? </p><p></p><p>Sports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.</p><p></p><p>Do we ever teach them how to just be? </p><p></p><p>This is why I offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">Kids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher</a>! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!</p><p></p><p>Here are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.</p><p></p><h2>1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.</h2><p></p><p>We all know that happier <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-kids\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-kids\">kids</a> make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!</p><p></p><p>Kids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. </p><p></p><p>Just like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. </p><p></p><p>They do everything better. Just like adults do.</p><p></p><p>They’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.</p><p></p><p>Speaking of being themselves...</p><p></p><h2>2. Yoga helps children self regulate</h2><p></p><p>How can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. </p><p></p><p>They’re told what to do and when and how. </p><p></p><p>A regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.</p><p></p><p>Kids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">two week free trial at myYogaTeacher.</a></p><p></p><h2>3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? </p><p></p><p>With parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.</p><p></p><p>They’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.</p><p></p><p>Practicing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.</p><p></p><p>The breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.</p><p></p><h2>4. Yoga helps their brains work better.</h2><p></p><p>Yep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.</p><p></p><p>Kids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.</p><p></p><p>Yoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.</p><p></p><p>The meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.</h2><p></p><p>Adults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. </p><p></p><p>Long gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.</p><p></p><p>Competition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.</p><p></p><p>Parents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.</p><p></p><p>Yoga for <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Kids-Yoga-10-%2012-years-by-Sujit\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Kids-Yoga-10-%2012-years-by-Sujit\">kids</a> gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.</p><p></p><p>So why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?</p><p></p><p></p><p>Do you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">Check out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class</a> when you sign up for your <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">free two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! </a></p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.</p><p></p><p>They don’t have time to be self aware!</p><p></p><p>Anxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.</p><p></p><p>Or it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.</p><p></p><p>We stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? </p><p></p><p>Sports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.</p><p></p><p>Do we ever teach them how to just be? </p><p></p><p>This is why I offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">Kids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher</a>! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!</p><p></p><p>Here are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.</p><p></p><h2>1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.</h2><p></p><p>We all know that happier <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-kids\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-kids\">kids</a> make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!</p><p></p><p>Kids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. </p><p></p><p>Just like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. </p><p></p><p>They do everything better. Just like adults do.</p><p></p><p>They’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.</p><p></p><p>Speaking of being themselves...</p><p></p><h2>2. Yoga helps children self regulate</h2><p></p><p>How can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. </p><p></p><p>They’re told what to do and when and how. </p><p></p><p>A regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.</p><p></p><p>Kids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">two week free trial at myYogaTeacher.</a></p><p></p><h2>3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? </p><p></p><p>With parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.</p><p></p><p>They’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.</p><p></p><p>Practicing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.</p><p></p><p>The breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.</p><p></p><h2>4. Yoga helps their brains work better.</h2><p></p><p>Yep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.</p><p></p><p>Kids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.</p><p></p><p>Yoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.</p><p></p><p>The meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.</h2><p></p><p>Adults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. </p><p></p><p>Long gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.</p><p></p><p>Competition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.</p><p></p><p>Parents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.</p><p></p><p>Yoga for <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Kids-Yoga-10-%2012-years-by-Sujit\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Kids-Yoga-10-%2012-years-by-Sujit\">kids</a> gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.</p><p></p><p>So why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?</p><p></p><p></p><p>Do you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">Check out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class</a> when you sign up for your <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=8d8488f4-09bc-48dd-9b44-1f86a63b7f59\n href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=cklkxgum87xl509314u5faawv&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults&entity_slug=yoga-for-kids&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-for-kids&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"8d8488f4-09bc-48dd-9b44-1f86a63b7f59\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-for-kids\"\n <u>free two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! </a></u> \n </a></p><p></p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-for-kids","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-kids","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"cklkxgum87xl509314u5faawv","slug":"yoga-for-kids","author":{"name":"Sujit Tiwari","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults","createdAt":"2021-02-25T13:54:08.269963+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-10-20T09:46:01.919945+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-gabby-12-small.jpg","seoDescription":"Kids need yoga too! Discover why kids yoga is on the rise how kids benefit from yoga classes just as much as adults - maybe more!","content":{"text":"In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.\\n\\nThey don’t have time to be self aware!\\n\\nAnxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.\\n\\nOr it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.\\n\\nWe stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? \\n\\nSports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.\\n\\nDo we ever teach them how to just be? \\n\\nThis is why I offer a \\nKids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher\\n! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!\\n\\nHere are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.\\n\\n1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.\\n\\nWe all know that happier \\nkids\\n make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!\\n\\nKids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. \\n\\nJust like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. \\n\\nThey do everything better. Just like adults do.\\n\\nThey’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.\\n\\nSpeaking of being themselves...\\n\\n2. Yoga helps children self regulate\\n\\nHow can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. \\n\\nThey’re told what to do and when and how. \\n\\nA regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.\\n\\nKids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a \\ntwo week free trial at myYogaTeacher.\\n\\n\\n3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.\\n\\nDid you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? \\n\\nWith parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.\\n\\nThey’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.\\n\\nPracticing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.\\n\\nThe breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.\\n\\n4. Yoga helps their brains work better.\\n\\nYep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.\\n\\nKids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.\\n\\nYoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.\\n\\nThe meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.\\n\\n\\n5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.\\n\\nAdults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. \\n\\nLong gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.\\n\\nCompetition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.\\n\\nParents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.\\n\\nYoga for \\nkids\\n gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.\\n\\nSo why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?\\n\\n\\nDo you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? \\nCheck out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class\\n when you sign up for your \\nfree two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! \\n\\n\\n","html":"<p>In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.</p><p></p><p>They don’t have time to be self aware!</p><p></p><p>Anxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.</p><p></p><p>Or it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.</p><p></p><p>We stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? </p><p></p><p>Sports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.</p><p></p><p>Do we ever teach them how to just be? </p><p></p><p>This is why I offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">Kids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher</a>! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!</p><p></p><p>Here are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.</p><p></p><h2>1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.</h2><p></p><p>We all know that happier <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-kids\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-kids\">kids</a> make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!</p><p></p><p>Kids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. </p><p></p><p>Just like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. </p><p></p><p>They do everything better. Just like adults do.</p><p></p><p>They’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.</p><p></p><p>Speaking of being themselves...</p><p></p><h2>2. Yoga helps children self regulate</h2><p></p><p>How can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. </p><p></p><p>They’re told what to do and when and how. </p><p></p><p>A regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.</p><p></p><p>Kids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">two week free trial at myYogaTeacher.</a></p><p></p><h2>3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? </p><p></p><p>With parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.</p><p></p><p>They’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.</p><p></p><p>Practicing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.</p><p></p><p>The breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.</p><p></p><h2>4. Yoga helps their brains work better.</h2><p></p><p>Yep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.</p><p></p><p>Kids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.</p><p></p><p>Yoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.</p><p></p><p>The meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.</h2><p></p><p>Adults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. </p><p></p><p>Long gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.</p><p></p><p>Competition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.</p><p></p><p>Parents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.</p><p></p><p>Yoga for <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Kids-Yoga-10-%2012-years-by-Sujit\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Kids-Yoga-10-%2012-years-by-Sujit\">kids</a> gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.</p><p></p><p>So why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?</p><p></p><p></p><p>Do you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group-classes?action=filter&class=Kids+Yoga+%2810-+12+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+%287-9+years%29&class=Kids+Yoga+-+7-12+years\">Check out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class</a> when you sign up for your <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">free two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! </a></p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc