Help tweens manage BIG feelings with yoga
Tweens have to manage feeling BIG feelings without really knowing why as their brain rapidly grows and changes in puberty. Now add in a pandemic and the stress of their normal world being turned upside down! Long before 2020 changed everyone's lives for months on end, psychologists were studying yoga and the effects on the tween brain. Read on & check out our weekly tween classes! Check the schedule for times. Click HERE
for a FREE meditation for kids to practice on their own.
Yoga and the Tween Brain (Published in Psychology Today, May 2015)
The tween brain and body may be growing fast, but research tells us that the prefrontal cortex (the decision-making part of the human brain) isn’t fully formed until the age of 25. The amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotion (fear and anger too,) is the dominant part of the brain. If you have a tween or have raised a tween you know that a simple question such as “How was your day?” might be met with an angry outburst. That’s the amygdala responding with big emotions to a simple question. Emotions at this stage in life are hard to control. So, what’s a parent to do?
Mind-Body Connection
Yoga helps tweens establish a strong connection to body awareness through improved physical and mental health.
Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Yoga helps tweens handle the stress of academic and personal challenges. Breath awareness allows you to step back and regulate your response to stress.
Improve Optimism
Yoga can build a sense of hopefulness for the future, especially important during a time when tweens and teens are looking toward their future.
Improve Focus and School Performance
Studies have found a connection between ADHD students practicing 1-2x per week and improved behavior as well as academic performance.
Improve Self-Esteem and Body Image
Middle school and junior high can be a formative time in which teens often struggle with body image issues, peer pressure and bullying. Yoga creates an accepting and safe environment by teaching non-judgement of self and others. The practice helps you feel more connected to and accepting of your body.