How to improve Children’s Mental Health through Self Study.
Where are we with Children’s Mental Health?
Currently Children’s Mental Health is one of the top most subjects discussed at schools & parents meetings. We are concerned, and quite rightly. However, we do not have to fear being able to support children with their mental health.
How can they help themselves?
Equipping children with the ability to self study and be self aware, is so valuable. It not only enables them to have a more rounded view of themselves but also how they relate to others.
We may be teaching children rights from wrongs and how to stay safe. This is all very important but, let us also include self study in this.
This is where children’s yoga becomes the super tool!
How does Children’s Yoga support their mental health?
In a children’s yoga class they are invited to be aware of feelings and emotions, both positive & negative ones. This teaches them that it is Ok to feel angry, to feel jealous, and other emotions that are often dictated as ‘wrong’.
You see, as humans, we are expected to live through and experience emotions every single day, and many of these emotions go unconsciously.
By inviting children to ‘notice’ their emotions, they are learning that they are not wrong , that the emotion is merely a thought pattern creating a feeling.
Children can learn through self study their triggers too which results in a much healthier and well rounded lifestyle.
How can I help my child self study?
Here are 3 ways in which children are able to self study.
- Taking a moment of stillness and checking in with the breath. Is it it deep and belly bound, or are they breathing shallow and up in their chests? There doesn’t always have to be a reason behind their breath pattern, just that they notice it.
2. Journalling
Being able to mind dump onto paper really highlights how they are feeling and dealing with a situation. This is not for parental reading but for the child to gain an observatory aspect on their own emotions. Easily setting a 5 minute timer and just writing whatever come into their mind, and then reading over it will show just how busy the mind is and what if anything needs attention.
3. Meditation
Obviously as a Yoga & meditation teacher I am going to champion meditation, but it truly is the greatest form of self study. Teaching children meditation does not have to be hard and I share this in the Mindfulness for Children Project. They access a deeper part of their consciousness and are able to self study at the heart of their being.
If every 8 year old is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation’
The Dalai Lama
As the guiding generation we MUST share our knowledge on how to be healthy and mental health is at the pinnacle of that. The mind drives everything.
Shouldn’t we share this always with our children?
If you wish to know more about how I help children with their self study & mental health visit my website www.realjoyoga.com
——————————————————————————
I am Jo Moules AKA Jo Yoga and I am passionate about sharing Yoga Lifestyle tools easily and effectively.
Are you interested in sharing Yoga with children?
I am passionate about ensuring that this knowledge is shared far & wide – I wish I had known about Yoga & Mediation when I was teenager. The Mindfulness for Children Project is a digital course for parents, teachers and all humans wishing to introduce mindfulness to their children.
You receive a full downloadable manual explaining the science of mindfulness, exercises and practices to share with children across all Key stages. Plus a Yoga session to ensure that you are cared for too.
Visit here today to find out more
