3 Tips on How Yoga and Mindfulness Supports Sensory Processing (Interview)
How Yoga and Mindfulness Supports Sensory Processing
As the awareness of sensory processing needs in children grows, educators and parents are on the lookout for strategies to support these needs in ways that integrate easily into children’s daily activities.
Yoga can be a particularly effective method for enhancing sensory integration while engaging children in a fun and interactive manner.
In the interview below with my colleague Nicole Koleshis, founder of Seattle Kids Yoga and occupational therapist, we talk about practical ways that yoga can be leveraged to help children with sensory processing challenges.
3 Tips to Support Sensory Processing in Children through Yoga and Mindfulness
In the conversation below, Nicole shares practical ways to incorporate sensory-friendly yoga practices to create an inclusive and nurturing environment:
1-Start Small and Observe
Patience and attention are key when introducing yoga and sensory activities to children.
Nicole suggests starting small with activities that you feel comfortable with and closely observing how children respond.
This could be as simple as practicing deep belly breathing or incorporating animal walks into playtime.
These activities help children engage their proprioceptive and vestibular systems, encouraging sensory integration.
Actionable Strategy:
One practical tip is to introduce sensory activities in small, manageable steps, like in the story that Nicole shares where a child learned to tolerate the spray from a water bottle in stages. This builds trust and helps children feel safe, making them more likely to try new things. Utilize easy-to-follow yoga cards for children, which offer structured sensory regulation and self-regulation activities.
2-Tailor to Sensory Needs
Everyone has unique sensory preferences, and children in your classroom, studio, or at home are no exception.
Nicole emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring these preferences by incorporating a variety of sensory inputs into yoga practice.
This could mean using tactile activities for sensory seekers and providing quieter, less stimulating spaces for sensory avoiders.
Actionable Strategy:
For instance, walking like different animals can appeal to children who need more proprioceptive feedback, whereas practicing safe falling activities can support those craving vestibular input. Being mindful not to overstimulate children is crucial, as too much sensory input can be overwhelming. By tailoring surroundings and activities to individual children’s sensory needs, we can help foster a sense of calm, groundedness, and organization.
GET YOUR 3 POSTERS HERE
CLICK HERE to Get Your Free Poster Pack
3-Embrace Flexibility and Choices
Flexibility in teaching yoga to children can make a world of difference.
Nicole advocates for a flexible approach, where small changes are integrated gradually.
For example, bringing in sensory activities like shaking, Lion’s Breath, or the calming sound of a singing bowl can be done incrementally.
Actionable Strategy:
Most importantly, Nicole advises that children should always have the choice to opt out of certain sensory activities. This autonomy helps them feel respected and understood, which is crucial for a child who might be a sensory avoider.
Storytelling through yoga integrates movement and literacy in a way that engages children, giving them the awareness of what feels good in their bodies and the ability to manage their own sensory experiences.
Yoga and mindfulness offer valuable tools for educators and parents to help children with their sensory processing and overall wellbeing. By starting small, tailoring activities to sensory needs, and embracing flexibility and choice, we can create safe and supportive environments for all children. Nicole’s expertise as a kids yoga teacher and occupational therapist highlights the potential of yoga to not only improve individual sensory experiences but also foster a more inclusive and understanding community!
Watch “How Yoga Supports Sensory Processing in Children” here:
MAY WE SUGGEST
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
SAVE FOR LATER
