Adolescents are faced with numerous expectations, and constant stimulation through the internet, namely social media. Children experience stress and mental health challenges through the normalisation of others portraying false images of themselves, leading to social pressures and exclusion.
There is also increased pressure to succeed at school, due to increased competition and the diverse range of options available to young people. Modern society is drawn to so many unwelcome messages, particularly in the social media world, and is driven by the dominant presence of multimedia devices. Adolescents are spending longer amounts of time in front of digital devices, and denotes a power shift in lifestyles and priorities in today's generation.
Yoga is a potential tool that can be utilised to help children cope with stress and regulate themselves. It is important children have the necessary tools to listen to their bodies, feelings, and ideas. Yoga may offers ways for children to strengthen themselves, and be able to positively contribute to balances in life, well-being, and mental health. Yoga has already been implemented into some schools to help students improve resilience, mood, and self-regulation skills relating to stress and emotions, and the effects are shining through.
Yoga isn't solely about stretching, it involves refining skills relating to meditation, mindfulness and breathing, as well as strength, balance and flexibility. Yoga is available widely, in leisure centres, health clubs, schools, hospitals and surgeries so it is widely available to all.