Uplifting !! New study of young people and yoga
I was so inspired today when reading a new study by Tina Cartwright and Tatjana Doronda published in Janury - they looked at the perceptions and experiences of young people and yoga - what they found was truly uplifting - so I wanted to share them with you. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis for young people and this study shows how access to yoga could make such a difference for so many adolescents. I especially liked the idea of yoga and mindfulness giving young people a personal ‘tool kit’ so they can practice self regulation more successfully.
You can read the full article in the Journal of Health Psychology
Some the benefits of yoga are excellently illustrated in the many quotes from young people themselves…a few of my favourites which show the insightfulness of many who took part in the study I’ve included below to give you a taster, but I really reccomend you reading the full article.
On yoga as a mind/body thing:
“I think yoga is like. . . physically calming your body, but also mentally. Like. . . when you feel physically calm, you are mentally calm.” Kate aged 15
On mindful awareness:
“I feel that ever since I’ve started I’ve really seen a difference in my moods and where my mind is.” Eloise, aged 13
“ [yoga gets you into] ‘your own zone’ ‘another world where you can be calm and relaxed and be yourself” Tia aged 10
“[it] made me more awake, and like aware” Sophie aged 13
On physical performance:
“Yeah, normally if you stretch you are told: ‘oh, if you are stretching things out if it hurts it means it’s working’. But it’s kind of different at yoga, they always tell us you shouldn’t’ be hurting, it should just be to the point when you feel like, your body is in the right place.” Sophie 13
On empowerment and self regulation:
“It makes you feel like. . . For me personally, I feel more open. . .more comfortable with myself, so like. . . I feel a lot better about myself.” Maxeine aged 14
I know there are obvious limitations with studies like this - for example the sample has a degree of selection etc - its also interesting that more boys dropped out of the study than girls which shows we all need to do more to make yoga seen as something for everyone, of all genders.
Feeling inspired
Tess