Yoga and Self-Esteem

This week I am exploring the many benefits of yoga for children, in more detail. Yoga takes a holistic approach
 to maintaining health and wellness that makes children feel good.  The intention of yoga is to stimulate and balance on all levels, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  Yoga builds a skill for each child, regardless of ability. Yoga provides opportunity for leadership skills, often a child will lead the class or act as teacher. To be able to share this skill with others supports self-esteem. Yoga provides an opportunity to serve and give back, which helps a child feel good about themselves.

When you have a positive self-image, you radiate self-confidence and joy. Studies have shown that the use of positive affirmations reflect how you see yourself. If a child feels inadequate, he or she will act according to this self-image. Yoga uses positive affirmations, positive language, and visualization techniques that increase a child's self-esteem. In addition, as a child becomes more proficient at the yoga poses, he/she will feel more healthy and toned, thus improving his/her confidence and his/her self-image will improve.