The Benefits of Kids Yoga & Gardening

Practicing yoga and engaging in gardening have empowering, meaningful, long-lasting benefits for kids. Here's what we see in our classes — in children's bodies, their attention, their feelings, and how they treat the world around them.

Strength, flexibility and better sleep

• Maintains flexibility and mobility

• Increases physical strength and endurance

• Develops motor, sensory, language, cognitive and social-emotional skills

• Promotes sound sleep

• Supports the health of internal organs and systems of the body — as well as the Earth

Focus, attention and time away from screens

• Boosts focus and concentration

• Develops impulse control

• Inspires creativity, problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking

• Promotes right and left brain and body connections

• Acts as an alternative to electronic devices, and a way to be more mindful about them

Confidence, calm and handling big feelings

• Teaches self-regulation, responsibility and routine

• Increases positive self-image, confidence and self-esteem

• Encourages self-reflection and emotional awareness

• Gives strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety

• Cultivates a peaceful, mindful, relaxed body and mind

• It's FUN, and it's good for the soul

Nature, food and belonging

• Creates community

• Fosters a lifelong connection with nature

• Germinates stewards of the living world around them and of their bodies

• Teaches inclusivity, acceptance and compassion for themselves, others and the living world

• Teaches where food comes from

• Nurtures the ability to take yoga and gardening "off the mat" and "out of the garden" — into the home, the community, and into life.

Adapted from Seattle Kids Yoga Teacher Training 2023