How to Use Yoga to Reduce Anxiety in Children

The rate of anxiety in children has been increasing over the last several years.  Previous research has indicated that yoga can help reduce anxiety in children.  A recent study examined how to use yoga to reduce anxiety in children.  The study looked at the effects of 10 minutes of daily yoga on the anxiety levels […]

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5 Strategies To Help Children Practice Mind-Body Exercises

5 Strategies To Help Children Practice Mind-Body Exercises

5 Strategies To Help Children Practice Mind-Body Exercises Do you use yoga or tai chi to help children learn about the mind-body connection?  Or maybe you work with children on stress reduction and mindfulness exercises.  There are several, research-based instructional methods that can help develop mind-body exercises for children.  Here are 5 strategies to help children […]

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Effects of Yoga on Autism Symptoms

Effects of Yoga on Autism Symptoms

Effects of Yoga on Autism Symptoms Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice published research on the effectiveness of yoga training program on the severity of autism.  The study consisted of 29 children (ages 7-15 years) with high functioning autism. The participants were randomly assigned to the yoga treatment group (received 24 sessions of yoga training over […]

Fidget Spinner Yoga – FREE Printable

Fidget Spinner Yoga

The Fidget Spinner Workout has been a huge success with hundreds of people downloading it to get kids moving while using their fidget spinners.  I decided to create another printable to incorporate yoga poses into the fidget spinner workout.  You can download your FREE Fidget Spinner Yoga at the end of the post. After you […]

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Mindfulness and Yoga for School Children

Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.  Research has indicated that mindfulness in school children may help to improve: 1.  emotional well being. 2.  learning  and  associated cognitive  processes,  such  as  attention,  focus  and  executive function skills. 3.  mental health. 4.  physical health (reduction in […]

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Free Handwriting and Yoga Story App

Here are a few free app suggestions for pediatric OTs and PTs for 8/12/16.  This week there is a pretty simple and straightforward handwriting app and an app that adds some physical activity to a child’s day – my favorite when kids are moving instead of just hunched over their devices.  (This post does include […]

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Custom Yoga Mats – Focus on Therapist Small Business Owners

I am continuing this series taking a closer look at small businesses that are owned and operated by Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists.  Today, the focus is on custom yoga mats created by Rebecca, a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Q:  First just tell a little bit about yourself – job experience, years on the job, etc. […]

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5 Gross Motor Activities for Small Spaces

As school based therapists, we are frequently working on gross motor skills in small spaces.  In my experience, I have worked in crowded classrooms, hallways, under stairwells and even closets.  You have to come up with creative ideas to get students moving without the benefits of a large gym or outdoor space.  Here are 5 […]