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Practicing Yoga To Overcome Pressure And Stress In Teenagers

Children and teens, with their zest for knowledge, sense of wonder and fantastic flexibility, both physical and mental, are natural Yogis. Yoga is in fact the best solution for teenagers as this is when they begin to come under increasing pressure and stress, as they make the first steps towards adulthood.

Apart from the physical benefits, Yoga gives teens mental and emotional benefits as well. It teaches techniques that help them cope with issues they're faced with in daily life such as the insecurity about their changing physiques, the great pressure to fit into society, stressful schooling and college schedules, and finally, the uncertainty about their futures and their beliefs.

So, all said and done, teens have a lot to gain from the practice of Yoga. While their particular circumstances could present certain challenges, Yoga teachers are aware of this as well as the fact that Yoga classes for adults may not be applicable to them. Hence the need for Yoga for teens.

First and foremost it is imperative that the boy or girl be persuaded – gently and politely – to enroll into a school or institute that has been teaching teenagers for long and has programs designed for teens with similar interests. Teenagers are normally flexible, strong and healthy, but they also tend to be over-energetic, sometimes even boisterous and fractious with strong minds and opinions of their own. Moreover, they tend to feel that what works for kids and grown-ups is not necessarily made for them. Which is quite true, because, they are at an in-between stage and have to he handled delicately, often more delicately than kids or old people. For this reason the process of training and impartment of knowledge in such a scenario is extremely important.

Fortunately, there is very little they cannot or should not do, by way of Yoga practices. Their young, healthy bodies and active minds lend themselves easily to all yoga practices. And barring the stray cases of congenital or other juvenile chronic ailments, most of them are quite healthy and can do all the asanas and pranayamas (poses and breathing exercises) in the regimen.

We recommend that they be taught all the asanas (Yoga poses) in the following positions:

• Standing
• Sitting
• Supine
• Prone
• Inverted and
• Balancing

As far as pranayamas (breathing exercises) go they may be safely taught Kapalabhatti (Skull cleansing) and Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate nostril breathing). We wouldn’t recommend any meditative practices, at this stage, and unless they exhibit high levels of toxins in their bodies, they needn’t be introduced to any Kriyas (cleansing techniques), either. Teenagers generally have a totally fresh perspective on life and this makes them really inspiring to teach. So keep the activities well balanced with a healthy amount of activity and fun.

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