Integrating the ancient practice of Yoga into Paediatric OT for whole-child wellbeing.
Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that promotes balance, self-awareness, and resilience. Research suggests that regular yoga practice can help children and young people develop healthier ways of managing stress, whilst also supporting emotional regulation, concentration, memory, and overall wellbeing (Hagen & Nayar, 2014).
At Kidspire OT, we believe that wellbeing begins with connection — connection to our bodies, our breath, our thoughts, and the world around us. Bend and Breathe Yoga is an integral part of our holistic approach, combining the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern therapeutic practice to support physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
Through Bend and Breathe Yoga, we integrate key yogic principles into occupational therapy and wellbeing programmes, helping children develop lifelong skills that support their participation, confidence, and success in everyday life. Our aim is to create a safe and nurturing environment where children develop not only physical skills, but also emotional wellbeing and a positive sense of self.
In addition to integrated OT programmes, standalone yoga sessions are available for children, parents, and adults.
Fun, engaging, and child-centred yoga sessions that encourage movement, mindfulness, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
A dedicated space for parents and caregivers to pause, recharge, and prioritise their own wellbeing amidst the demands of family life.
Accessible and inclusive yoga sessions for adults designed to improve strength, flexibility, relaxation, and overall health and wellbeing.
Children learn simple and effective breathing exercises to develop awareness of their breath, improve diaphragmatic breathing, support emotional regulation, manage feelings of stress and anxiety, and build self-calming strategies for everyday situations.
Carefully selected yoga poses designed to support balance and coordination, strength and stability, flexibility and mobility, body awareness and motor planning, and postural control — all adapted for children with special needs in a playful, non-threatening way.
Children are introduced to mindfulness practices, concentration and attention-building exercises, relaxation techniques, and self-awareness activities. They also explore important values such as kindness, gratitude, compassion, perseverance, self-belief, and resilience — building lifelong emotional wellbeing skills.
Get in touch to learn how Bend & Breathe Yoga can be incorporated into your child’s OT programme.
