Research Shows Yoga Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is on the rise in children. Research shows yoga reduces anxiety in children and adults. Yoga is alternative form of treatment, but one that is cost effective and can be a life long coping strategy for children with anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a part of life for everyone, especially children. When anxiety becomes persistent or so intense that it interferes with daily life it can become a disorder. Anxiety is more prevalent today due to perceived threats such as COVID, and these threats are inflated by social media.
Anxiety is a state of apprehension or worry about a danger or threat that might occur. Anxiety is the fear reaction activated by the possibility of danger or threat. It tends to occur after children have experienced a traumatic or scary event.
How Does Yoga Reduce Anxiety?
A fundamental component of anxiety therapy is teaching a child how to relax. Relaxation is like any skill it takes practice. Relaxation techniques may include aerial yoga, yoga, breathing techniques, mindfulness, and guided relaxation stories. The goal of relaxation skills training is for your child to realize the mind and body are interrelated and they have the ability to gain control over them with a consistent practice of relaxation techniques.
What Does the Research Say ?
- Research has shown the clinical value in yoga as an anxiety treatment. For example, a 12-week yoga intervention, demonstrated significant improvements in mood and anxiety than a walking exercise program. Researchers concluded that yoga reduces anxiety, stress, and improves health status in several key areas.
- A similar study had ‘emotionally distressed’ participants take two 90-minute yoga classes a week for three months, while a control group maintained their usual activities. At the end of the three months, the women in the yoga group demonstrated significant improvements in stress, depression, anxiety, energy, fatigue, and well-being. Impressively, depression scores improved by 50% and anxiety scores by 30%.
Want to Learn More Ways Reseach Shows Yoga Reduces Anxiety?
If you’re a parent and would like to find out more about how our aerial yoga program can be used to help your child, email us at info@mindfulchildaerialyoga.com. If your child is experiencing an anxiety disorder and you are interested in working with one of our occupational therapists, please contact us to set up initial evaluation.
References
Smith, C., Hancock, H., Blake-Mortimer, J., & Eckert, K. (2007). A randomised comparative trial of yoga and relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety. Complementary therapies in medicine, 15(2), 77-83
Brown, R. P., & Gerbarg, P. L. (2005). Sudarshan Kriya Yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: part II—clinical applications and guidelines. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 11(4), 711-717.