Yoga and general mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, guided meditations, and guided visualizations, help kids learn healthy ways to manage their stress, angst, and when present, learn healthy ways to work through trauma.  That is where the greatest gains and benefits of yoga are for anyone, but all the more, for young children and teens.  This leads to better problem solving skills, focus, and lowers instances of conflict with other kids, teens, and adults.

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The fun poses, group activities, and themes that are taught, experienced, and practiced during regular kids or teen yoga practices are great ways to help establish and form positive bonds, work through lots of anxious energy, and otherwise help encourage physical activity.  As they learn new poses and have fun encouraging and working with others, they gain confidence, a true sense of accomplishment and personal growth, and this then can help to boost self-esteem and work towards bolstering and/or developing a positive self-image.

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In the end the physical movements are secondary to the mindfulness practices, but together they create a tremendously positive and beneficial practice for both kids and teens.