SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — As the conversation grows around mental health, the focus on the topic begins at younger and younger ages.
Speech pathologist Julie Daniel, who worked for years with special needs children, said she started regularly using yoga in her sessions when she saw the children had such a positive response. Daniel is now the founder and an instructor at Yoga for Kids of Central New York, and said the importance of teaching yoga only grew as COVID-19 surged across the globe.
“We just want to nurture people to be kind to themselves, be kind to their bodies, especially during a pandemic,” Daniel said.
The outdoors improves mood, according to Harvard University, and additional studies show that exercising can have the same effect. Daniels said this makes classes like hers all the more necessary for children during a pandemic where social interaction has been lacking for many kids around the country.
“It’s just an important time for kids to have fun, to be outside, and it’s safe,” Daniel said.
Daniel gets something out of the outdoor classes too. She said she picks up lessons from her students as well.
“I just see children as being innately mindful—actually they’re the ones teaching us,” Daniel said.
Daniel works with local libraries to organize youth yoga classes in the Syracuse area. Check your library’s website to see if Daniel has classes near you and your family.
