Yoga practice has realistic solutions for stressed-out teenagers. Young people need to take time out for non-competitive and wholesome activities, such as Yoga. When teens have a chance to explore themselves from within, this is time well spent.
There has never been a time when teenagers were subjected to more stress than right now. Reuters Health reported, "One third of US teens say they feel stressed-out on a daily basis." This was based upon a study of over 8,000 teens, and young adults, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
For adults who lack compassion, for young people trying to cope in our society, consider this: The leading cause of death in teens and youths, ages 10 to 19 years old, is "teenage suicide." Stress can place young people at risk. According to the US Department of Justice, "It is estimated that 500,000 teenagers try to kill themselves each year."
The sources and the reasons for teenage stress, on such a massive scale, are subject to theory, but let's take a look some of the reasons why so many young adults and teenagers are at risk. Family units are challenged, because many teens live in single parent families.
Parents work so much that "bonding time" is compromised. Peer pressure has always been part of the back drop in finding one's self as a teenager. Technology also plays a role in pushing teens further than ever before.
Sure they are privileged to have access to so much information, but they also suffer from information overload. On top of this, high expectations are placed on teens for social status, academic performance, athletic performance, performance in the entertainment industry, etc.
So how can Yoga help teens to cope with stress? Regular teen Yoga sessions, or classes, should contain physical posturing (asanas), Yogic breathing (pranayama), laughing, positive affirmations, and learning to create an automatic relaxation response on a daily basis.
Teens must learn to reserve regular "Yoga time" for themselves. Working part-time, studying for SATs, getting a date for a prom, and preparing for college, are part of becoming a young adult, but there needs to be time to constructively "unplug" from all of it. Yoga delivers mental clarity to all practitioners, regardless of age. Teens can learn to pursue one short-term goal at a time. This will make daily life much more manageable. Teens should learn various Yogic relaxation techniques, such as body scanning, stage-by-stage relaxation, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health, can be restored by learning to accept oneself, as is. Teens can condition and prepare themselves to realize that they will not be in control of every situation life throws at them. Open discussions with their peers, after a Yoga session, in support groups, teen meetings, after school activities, or a public speaking class, will strengthen teen social skills and character.
There is a huge demand for teen stress management services, and Yoga teachers are sitting on a multitude of solutions for teens and their families. The reason is simple: Teens are at risk because of internal and external pressure.
This may seem like it is nothing new to most parents, but according to a survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), at Columbia University, teens are more likely to resort to illegal drugs or alcohol, due to high levels of stress.
Again, this should come as no surprise to adults, as the adult behavior is identical. Many adults use illegal drugs or alcohol, due to excessive stress. Teens will naturally copy familiar adult examples, which they have observed, over time.
On another note: If young celebrities, and professional athletes, are abusing themselves, why should we expect teens to be any different? These are who our children perceive to be role models.
The television is no longer a reliable "babysitter," for young children or teens. Parents are challenged to censor entertainment, and become better examples than traditional role models. This comes at a time, when many middle-class parents may be working two jobs each, just to make ends meet.
What difference can Yoga make in the daily lives of teens? One major difference is bonding time with family and parents. Many families do not eat their meals together. This turns contemporary families into strangers, who live in the same home. From the time a child is born, there is a need to develop solid relationships, with the rest of the family unit.
If relationships within the family have become strained, due to divorce, separation, death, fighting, or illness, there is still time for mending family ties. Professional counseling should be a consideration, as well as, participation in non-competitive activities. This is where Yoga can fit into the family's weekly schedule. When families make an appointment to practice Yoga together, this will solidify the individual relationships within.
Yoga teachers and studios should run workshops or surveys to monitor local demand for family, teen, kids, or "mommy and me" Yoga classes. These classes make a difference in your community and will save the lives of "at risk teens."
For parents who are seeking family-oriented classes, but cannot find them in their area, they can learn what they need to know from local Yoga teachers. If this is not possible, learn to develop a safe practice from Yoga books, videos, and courses. Your children can learn with you, as there are a number of videos and books designed for their age. Make sure that safety is your primary concern, and you will enjoy your bonding time.
© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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