Yoga: The Ultimate Teen Stress Buster

Yoga is a combination of physical exercises that use breathing and meditation to achieve strength and flexibility. Yoga has grown in popularity since first being introduced to America in the 1960's. Nowadays yoga is a mainstream exercise with many different types of classes available. Some yoga classes are quite vigorous and aerobic, while others are relaxing and less strenuous.

For teens, yoga is an excellent source of exercise that reinforces positive habits and stresses healthy living. A lean strong yoga body is no place for drugs or alcohol.

Yoga class is a place where teens can come and take part in a fun activity free from peer pressure and judgment. Students learn to set personal goals and celebrate individual effort, enabling them to take on problems with confidence and calmness.

Yoga provides important stress coping strategies for teens trying to live drug and alcohol free. Rather than becoming frustrated and withdrawn when facing a challenging situation, teens can rely upon the mental strength they developed in yoga class. The skills learned in yoga also translate well inside the classroom. Yoga aids students in their ability to focus their attention. The breathing techniques used in yoga are helpful for alleviating pre-test stress.

For Josiah Gray yoga provides a release from the demands of homework and the awkwardness of being new at school. Last week, Josiah arrived to yoga class a bit stressed out. He'd taken two exams that day. Dressed in a gray Quicksilver t-shirt and baggie navy sweatpants; he appeared as if he'd be as comfortable on a skateboard as a yoga mat.

As he rolled out his sticky blue mat onto the glossy hardwood floor of the yoga studio, nine other teenagers joined him. Most arrived to class at the Yoga People studio in Brooklyn directly from school. They munched on an afternoon snacks - looking for a little boost of energy before the one-hour class.

Kyoko Jaspers, the class instructor, stood at the head of the studio. She looked like a teenager herself (she's barely five feet tall and sports trendy yoga gear). Kyoko began the class by asking the students to find a comfortable seated position.

The students quieted down and let the serenity of the room wash over them. Kyoko instructed the class to close their eyes and focus on their breath. She softly asked each student to imagine growing taller with each inhalation. (This is a typical way to begin a yoga class; instructors try to bring students into the present moment encouraging them to forget about their problems throughout the exercises).

As Kyoko moved the class through a series of standing poses, students paid close attention to her directions. Kyoko invited the class to attempt a new pose, the "half moon." This pose required students to balance on one foot while tilting sideways. They must lightly touch their fingertips to the floor while extending one leg and one arm in the air. Each teen remained mindful of their alignment while trying not to tip over. Their leg and arm muscles were tense with effort and their faces showed serious mental focus. It appeared as if all the students could concentrate on for the hour was contorting their bodies into properly formed poses.

Jaspers concluded the session by turning the lights low and leading the students through some relaxation exercises. When the lights came back on, a subtle transformation had taken place - the students were visibly calmer.

As a means of physical activity, yoga helps provide an alternative activity for teens stuck on the couch. Yoga builds endurance, flexibility and strength and can be an important part of a physical fitness routine (vital in a country where teen obesity is at a record high 13%).

There is a yoga class suitable to everyone, even teens who don't consider themselves athletes or jocks. For those who favor hobbies like video games and watching television, a beginner's yoga class is a great noncompetitive opportunity to get active without all the hassles of joining a team. Dedicated athletes can challenge themselves by trying a vigorous ashtanga yoga class, which provides excellent conditioning and is terrific cross training for many sports.

It seems like yoga is a perfect activity for teens and there's one more perk - the costs are low (averaging about $10 per class). Yoga requires practically no equipment-just a mat and workout clothing. Classes for teens are popping up across the country. If you are interested in starting a yoga practice, call your local gym, community center or yoga studio. There are also several good DVD's on the market for students who want to try yoga out at home.

When teens lack confidence and have self-doubt, that's often when they turn to drugs and alcohol. Yoga offers teens a real alternative to destructive habits giving them a way to calm down and find strength inside themselves. Give it a try and get ready to be hooked for life.