|
Behavior |
Yogic Practice |
Benefit |
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Perseverative behaviors (such as flapping or rocking) |
Practice of deep ‘Pooh Bear’ breathing; through nose
into stomach not chest.
Neck rolls. |
Concentration on breathing takes the focus off the
unwanted behavior. Additional oxygen calms the nervous system. Neck rolls
may release tension the child doesn’t even realize he has, which leads to
perseveration. |
|
Melting Down |
When practical, remove child to a ‘yogic atmosphere’;
by which I mean few visual distractions, quiet or meditative music, DIM
LIGHTS, scents if he enjoys them. It is EXTREMELY helpful to have an area
like this (even a little corner) in your house.
Pooh Bear breathing if he will cooperate.
When you are not at home, at least bring some scent and
restful music along! |
If part of the cause of the meltdown is overload, this
will help. It also helps the caretaker stay calm as they deal with the
situation! |
|
Too much nervous energy or anger |
Lion Breathing, childs pose, forward bends, feet up
wall. |
Calming to nervous system |
|
Visually overstimulated |
Childs pose |
Allows the child to ‘block out the world’ for a little
while. |
|
Can’t concentrate |
Do a balancing pose (such as TREE), concentrating on
one spot on the floor. If the child is trying to do homework, have him do
it in your ‘yogic atmosphere’ area (mentioned above) to eliminate
distractions. |
Brings the child’s focus on one thing for awhile.
Encourage him to empty his mind and think of nothing but the pose as he is
doing it. |
|
Need for ‘deep pressure’ |
It may help to practice seated forward bend using a
prop. Sitting on the floor with legs straight out, have the child hold a
yoga strap, a long towel, or even a sweat shirt hooked around his feet. The
child holds the prop with both hands. |
The child feels in control, self-regulating the amount
of pressure he needs to calm down. The combination of pressure on the feet
plus forward bending is very calming. |