Basic benefits of yoga

physical

• strengthen  muscles
• improves posture, co-ordination and balance
• develops core strength
• encourages motor development on both sides of the body
• increases flexibility
• promotes fitness in a non-competitive environment
• improves awareness of the breath
• relaxes the body promoting better sleep

intellectual

• improves cognitive activity
• focuses the mind on the present and makes ready for learning
• wakes up sloppy minds
• develops communication and organisational skills
• improves retention of knowledge
• boosts memory
• stimulates the imagination and promotes creativity
• encourages team working skills and social interaction

creative

• stimulates the imagination
• encourages creative movement ideas
• promotes self-expression
• creative play promotes overall health and well-being

emotional

• calms and clears the mind
• boosts self-esteem
• improves confidence
• calms the body and mind to create inner peace
• offers a sense of sacredness of life
• promotes self-respect and respect for others
• releases day to day anxieties
• offers fun and enjoyment
• improves ability to be less reactive, more mindful of
• speech and actions

social

• improves social interaction skills
• provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals
• provides opportunities to engage with others
• practice at home could include other family members
• improving and strengthening family relationships

Basic principles of yoga

(which promote self-respect, respect for others, develop values and moral lifestyles)

• practice peace – encourages child to be loving and kind, gentle in thought and deed and not to harm any living thing.
• be honest – encourages child to be honest and tell the truth
• be generous – encourages child to share
• practice moderation – encourages self-control and over, discourages over-indulgence
• cleanliness – encourages cleanliness of self and the environment
• contentment – encourages the child to be content with themselves and celebrate their individuality. Promotes gratefulness
• work hard – encourages child to strive to do their best, to always finish tasks and not to give up
• enjoy own company – encourage child to enjoy peace, quite and stillness – to be alone with own thoughts and reflect
• act on beliefs – encourages children to stick to ideals and beliefs and act upon them to do something bigger