The good habits that we inculcate in our children can become a way of life for them; become habits for life. If you make it a habit to create healthy meals at home so your child is habituated to eating healthy, if you regularly play or go for a walk together so your child has the habit of daily exercise, if you teach your child the importance of keeping our communities clean, there are yet more good habits you can instill in your child, such as the habit of Pranayam. If you introduce these habits to tweens (pre teen kids) and teens, these habits do tend to take root.
Importance of getting kids to do Pranayam
Pranayam consists of certain breathing techniques thought to have many specific benefits for the body, mind and general wellbeing. Yogis believe that many of our health issues, lack of energy and less than optimal organ function is due to incorrect breathing techniques and inadequate supply of oxygen to the different parts of the body. With normal breathing, we may be using only a part of our lung capacity; with the result that oxygenation of the body’s tissues and cells is inadequate and waste disposal systems are impeded.
The practice of Pranayam restores distribution of vital energy throughout the body so it is easy to see how this can have a beneficial impact on kids. They have more energy for all the various physical activities of the day. With improved oxygen supply to the brain and other organs, academic performance may also be enhanced; you may find that your child is more alert and able to concentrate better. The body’s improved oxygenation could mean improved immunity; which in turn means children can resist infection better and fall sick far less frequently.
How to start kids off on Pranayam
Firstly of course you can start off by setting a personal example. If your child sees you prioritizing your yoga practice and Pranayam each day, he or she will internalize the importance of these aasans and breathing techniques. Taking into account your child’s age and grasping ability you can also explain what you’re doing, why and what benefits it has. Your child may be curious enough to want to try Pranayam without being asked or may respond favorably to your invitation to join you.
In any case, it may not be a good idea to push your child into doing Pranayam. Rather introduce the concept at an age when she or he is receptive to the idea and when possible benefits are better understood. Also if you can involve your kids’ friends as well, your child will be more receptive and more likely to develop the Pranayam habit.
Best Pranayam techniques for children
If your child has any medical ailments or conditions, it may be best to speak to your doctor about starting them out on Pranayam or yoga. However for most kids, Pranayam is safe and beneficial.
Try and involve your child (and perhaps a friend or two) in the practice of these simple Pranayam breathing techniques:
Bhramari Pranayam or the bumble bee breathing technique, where one breathes in through the nose and exhales with the fingers in the ears to create the buzzing resonance in the ears can be calming, but also fun for kids. Anulom Vilom Pranayam or alternate nostril breathing where you shut the right nostril to breathe in through the left one and then shut the left nostril to breathe out through the right one not only clears the sinuses, it can also improve blood oxygenation, create a balance in the body and protect against disease. Kapalbhati Kriya, where there is passive inhaling and quick forceful exhalation can be beneficial especially for kids who are overweight. Bhastrika Pranayam and Ujjayi Pranayam are other recommended techniques.
Bring your children to a morning yoga class in Mumbai, or enquire about personal training. Call +91 99675 31905.