Adulting is hard. But childhood has its difficulties, too. From pressure to succeed in the classroom, competitive sports, ever-changing social situations to body changes, kids need coping strategies to ease stress and anxiety. What do researchers suggest? Yoga.

Why Yoga?

Yoga brings together mind and body, involving a combination of postures, breathing techniques and meditation. It’s also proven to be a safe therapy for children dealing with emotional, mental, physical and behavioral challenges. That’s because various yoga postures can:

• Release tension
• Stimulate the digestive system
  
• Relieve constipation
  
• Promote flexibility
  
• Enhance concentration
  
• Regulate blood sugar and hormones
  
• Improve balance
  

Each posture can challenge various muscle groups, which can teach your child to become more aware of his or her body, too. Student athletes may also find that yoga enhances their cross-training and helps prevent overuse injuries.

Complementing Classwork

Yoga for children is growing so much in popularity that the U.S. is actually seeing an increase in the practice at schools. Multiple studies have shown that school-based yoga programs have the potential to improve social skills, classroom behavior, self-esteem and academic performance.

If your child’s school does not include yoga in its curriculum, consider enrolling him or her in a class. Or try adding yoga to your family’s routine at home.