The practice of yoga originated in ancient India thousands of years ago. It is a fitness discipline that aims to create a harmony between the mind and body; it promises physical fitness as well as mental peace and clarity. In the recent years, this practice has grown in popularity, with yoga classes and studios springing up on every corner. But can anyone practice yoga; even a teenager? The answer is yes.
Yoga is especially beneficial for teenagers. The teenage years are a time of great emotional upheaval and teenagers they can find solace and inspiration in the practice of yoga at this particularly difficult age. Some of the ways in which yoga can benefit teenagers include:

Improved Health – Children today lead unhealthy lifestyles. Most teens spend any and every spare minute on gaming consoles and the computer; they have little to no exercise. Yoga can help set the house in order. Being a gentle and soothing discipline, the exercises don’t feel cumbersome or boring. Even small sessions of twenty minutes a day can help boost health: yoga helps teens hold the right posture and breathe fully. This in turn boosts circulation, immunity and energy flow in the body. Regular yoga practice also corrects existing imbalances in the body. As a result you have a well toned, healthy and strong body.

Concentration And Memory – In a world that gets more competitive with every passing year, teenagers are under a lot of pressure to succeed academically. Add to this the pressures of other social commitments (sports, arts, etc.) and the young mind is truly burdened. The regular practice of yoga can help a busy teen focus and improve concentration and memory. It enables you to see outside the box, use your creativity and explore your potential.

Self Esteem And Confidence – This is a very difficult age and many teens find it hard to cope with the changes their bodies are going through. Yoga helps teens accept these changes; it helps them accept and be aware of their changing bodies. It channels the abundant energy into confidence, self worth and positive thinking. It enables teens to handle peer pressure and social groups with ease, to take on life with confidence and a smile.

Eases Stress – Social, academic, and parental pressures can wreck havoc on a teenagers mind, which in turn reflects on their physical health as well; more and more children are prone to depression and anxiety attacks. Yoga enables them to calm down and relax; it brings on a sense of well being and peace. It helps teens control negative emotions and the negative reactions they spur.

The teenage years don’t have to be a trial by fire. Yoga makes this possible. It allows this time to be a happy and carefree one; it also ensures teenagers grow into positive and confident adults.