Puberty can be tough. Your body is suddenly changing, and your mind needs time to cope up with the new things. It can get overwhelming. Having someone to share your thoughts and doubts with, someone to confide in, a friend, parent, or sibling can be beneficial. And if you are not comfortable sharing your feelings, join a yoga class to release all the bottled up unwanted emotions and thoughts.
Yoga is a great tool not just to develop good posture and flexibility but also for empowering young girls to keep self-doubt and low self-esteem at an arm’s length. Let’s take a look at the benefits of yoga and some of the yoga postures that are immensely helpful for teenage girls.
Benefits of yoga for teenage girls
1. Reduce anxiety
2. Improve focus and concentration
3. Boost self-image
4. Build up confidence and will-power
5. Develop self-discipline
6. Physical fitness and flexibility
7. Develop a positive attitude and enthusiasm
Best yoga postures for teenage girls
Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
Teenage girls are really conscious about their bodies. We do not realize it but often to hide our feelings and safeguard ourselves from the outside critical world we start rounding the shoulders. It’s as if instinctively we are closing the heart to protect it from getting hurt. Downward dog helps opens the shoulders and develop a straight and long spine. By correcting the posture, it also improves breathing. So you are more comfortable and confident with yourself. This posture really helps to clear the mind and bring it to a calm state. Hold each yoga position for a few breaths initially (5-6 breaths) and gradually increase the time to 2-3 minutes. Once you come out of the posture, relax in balasana to feel the calming effect of this posture on your mind.
Vrikasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikasana help to develop a stable body and mind. It helps to enhance our perception by bringing about balance in life. Merely seeing things as they are untainted by our mind makes life easy and straightforward. This posture is also great for developing concentration, which is pertinent to teens. Holding the position requires focus and strength, so it is essential that after you come out of the posture, pause in a neutral pose to feel and take in the effects of the pose. After doing the tree pose, pause in tadasana, to enjoy the feeling of centeredness and stability.
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
This powerful posture strengthens the legs and fills the body with energy. This posture is a must for all teens to ward off self-doubts as it helps develop will-power and confidence. After repeating the posture on both sides, come to Tadasana. Relax here for a moment to feel the energy busting within you after doing warrior pose.
Baddhakonasana (Bound Angle Pose)
Another great posture for teens, this forward bend gives the back a great stretch and open hips for flexibility. Its excellent for the reproductive system improves blood circulation and keeps menstrual problems at bay. Bound Angle Pose also profoundly relaxes the mind by releasing anxiety and feelings of insecurity and aids in cultivating self-acceptance.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Always worried about weight, body image, competitive exams, and studies all can be distressing and make you feel down in the dumps. Backward bends are energizing, and they combat depression by instantly lifting your spirits. This posture opens the shoulders and chest, thereby improves breathing. It also stimulates the digestive and reproductive organs and improves their functioning.
Yoga is a beautiful way to improve both physical and emotional well-being. Starting at a young age can help teens to develop good health, concentration, and confidence to take on life with enthusiasm and joy.
