Let's be honest. Raising children is a challenge---a blessed, wonderful challenge---no matter their age. As a mum, your primary focus is on how to do what's best for your children, how to help them live the best possible lives, and how to ensure they grow and thrive into successful adults. The truth is, you'll be thinking about these things not only the first 18 or so years of your child's life, but probably forever. As they say, a parent's work is never done.

You’ve definitely got your work cut out for you if you are a parent to teenagers. You might have thought those “terrible twos” were rough, but most parents know that the teen years bring with them additional challenges and unique stresses. No longer are you running after a wily toddler, but you’re handling teen stuff: hormones, school, driving, etc.

If you are a mum of a teenager today, you’ve got plenty to deal with. Because of this, it's so vital to make time to take care of yourself and tend to your needs. One great way to achieve this is through a regular practise of yoga. And for mothers of teenagers, this just might be the ideal habit to add to your repertoire.

Oh, the Amazing Benefits of Yoga

If you’ve never given yoga a go, now is a great time to start. Need convincing? Here’s a list of yoga’s most striking personal benefits.

Reduced Stress

If yoga had no other benefit than reducing stress, it would still be 1000% worth it. Yoga has been around for thousands of years and part of the reason for its longevity is its effectiveness in managing stress. No matter what style of yoga you pursue, attending a class or doing yoga at home is likely to produce immediate benefits. Many devoted students of yoga report feeling refreshed, energised, and grounded after every session. The long-term benefits are exponential, too. Yoga provides a way to relax the mind, improve focus, and get in touch with one's body. This helps to lower stress levels and keep them lower.

Yoga

Yoga is well-known for its effect on lowering stress

You don't need to be told about the benefits of less stress. We all know what a burden those everyday tensions and worries can be. But aside from feeling happier, lighter, and more at peace, reducing the amount of stress in your life has an impact on many other areas as well.

Lowering your stress can lead to better sleep. Data indicates that a majority of people may not be getting their recommended nightly rest. Stress is one of the culprits, leaving us lying awake at night or feeling “tired but wired.” At the same time, not getting enough sleep can also contribute to higher stress levels, creating a vicious sleep-stress cycle that is highly detrimental. As yoga helps your stress melt away, you are likely to find that deeper and longer sleep results.

Because eliminating stress is related to the reduction of cortisol in the body, a regular yoga practise can aid you in losing weight, too. Research suggests that excess cortisol in the body may contribute to weight gain. Cortisol is known as ‘the stress hormone,’ and because it reduces our insulin levels, it can cause us to crave satisfying---yet unhealthy---comfort foods. As the cortisol recedes, we have better control over our appetites.

A Greater Sense of Grounding

Yoga can help to ground us both physically and mentally. It can serve as a healthy coping tool that enables us to manage difficult emotions, like stress and worry. Because yoga involves the whole body and focuses on the breath, those who practise it begin to get a greater sense of being inside their bodies. In our hectic days of rushing around, carpooling kids to school and extracurricular activities, it is far too easy to feel a lack of groundedness. How seldom we think about our bodies at all! With yoga, all of the attention is on the body and breath, which rooting us firmly to the Earth and to our own physical sensations. As you do yoga more regularly, you'll find that you can achieve this grounding feeling more quickly and more easily, making it an on-the-go tool that you can utilise wherever and whenever.

More Energy

Who wouldn't love to have more energy? Yoga is a physical and mental activity that can deliver exactly that.

Any type of exercise can be useful for improving energy levels, but evidence shows that yoga, particularly those styles which emphasise meditation, is an energetic powerhouse.

A University of Waterloo study found that yoga corresponded with improved energy. The study’s lead author said that potential reasons for such energy boosts “include the release of endorphins, increased blood flow to the brain, and reduced focus on ruminative thoughts.”

These benefits come from the movement of the yoga, but perhaps primarily from the deep, slow breathing. This creates an elevated intake of oxygen which is happily absorbed by the bloodstream and can help to relax the nervous system, as well.

Increased Flexibility & Protection from Injury

You might never be able to hold your foot behind your head, but practising yoga on a regular basis will contribute to expanding your flexibility.

So much of yoga involves stretching. For those seeking improved flexibility, yoga is perhaps one of the best approaches you could take.

Many of the poses or asanas target areas in which many of us are commonly tight, such as the hamstrings, hips, and upper back. While gaining flexibility is not a process to be rushed, as you practise yoga you are likely to find that you can stretch that much further each time. Being more flexible and supple has an important added bonus; it can help protect you from injury, since the muscles and joints can move through their full range of motion.

More Efficient Metabolism

Yoga, especially certain styles, can work wonders for your metabolism.

Our metabolism is complicated; we expend energy both when resting (the majority of our energy) and when moving. While some research reveals that aerobic activity (like jogging) doesn’t do much to increase your metabolic rate long term, anaerobic activity does. This includes things such as strength training, contributing to an increased muscle mass. This leaner, stronger muscle generates a more efficient basal metabolic rate. If working on boosting that metabolism, you may want to consider high-intensity yoga classes that emphasise strength and use bodyweight resistance.

Increased Physical Wellbeing

There are many positive outcomes to doing yoga that cannot necessarily be quantified. But if the millions of yogis around the world are telling the truth, you’re going to be feeling better in many ways.

Ah, the Joys of Parenting Teens

We all know the common tale. Your smiling twelve-year-old child with a sunny disposition reaches their 13th birthday and BAM!---they transform into a moody, sullen teenager. This is a stereotype, of course, but for many parents, the patterns hold true. The teen years are rife with angst, changing bodies, budding independence, and much, much more.

Few of us would choose to go back in time and relive our own hormone-crazed years. But when you were a teen, you probably never realised how hard this period could be on your parents.

Now that you’ve got children of your own, you’re discovering firsthand that the teen years are tough for everyone involved!

Lady on a couch

The teen years can be trying...for everyone!

There are some unique challenges that come alongside parenting a teenager….challenges that just might drive you to find solace at the yoga mat.

In a study of American parents, about 34% of those who lived with one or more teenagers, reported feeling a “great deal of stress in the past month.” Troubles with teenagers seem to stem largely from the tug-of-war that often occurs as teens strive to explore their newfound, yet still burgeoning independence. The adolescent years are when individuals transition from childhood into young adulthood, and one of the key aspects of this is becoming more independent. This growing independence can be tough on the parents at times, but experts say it’s definitely healthy when teens assert their independence.

It’s also quite possible that stressed-out teens are contributing to stressed-out parents. After all, stress begets stress, and when everyone is feeling under pressure, it can make tensions run high and emotions run hot. This is when small things flare into huge disagreements, or when slight annoyances become massive fights.

Statistics show that teens are more stressed today than ever. There are the societal challenges that come along with being in school and being surrounded by your peers. Teens are still figuring out who they are, and navigating a complex social world. The ever-present spector of social media doesn’t help, either. In 2018, kids are connected to their schoolmates and friends almost nonstop.

Teens are also very stressed out by academic pressures. There’s a heavy emphasis on school performance and scholarly success, and this can be overwhelming to teens.

To top it all off, teens may be experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression due to their constant interaction with technology. Studies show that teenagers are among the top Internet users, and if you’ve got a teen, you can certainly attest to how much they love to text!

So certainly the combined stress upon the family can make matters worse for everyone.

Parenting teens also brings about safety concerns. As your kids are discovering their independence, they’re probably asking to spend more time with friends. Older teens may even be driving. These are fresh new worries for mum and dad, and a great many parents find this time of life to be quite stressful. Conflict arises when it comes to topics like driving, staying out late, or meeting up with friends. Your teenager (likely to be a bundle of hormones and emotion) may lash out in anger or frustration. While you’re working hard to make decisions that prioritise their safety, all your teen wants to do is have fun and feel like an adult. This is a rough time, but it seems to be part and parcel of raising most teenagers.

It’s important to remember that it’s not just mums of teens who experience the stresses of parenting. Mothers of kids at any age deal with their own relevant concerns. From self-doubt as a mother, to financial pressures, to the demands of time and packed schedules, it’s not easy to be a mum.

Fortunately, a practise such as yoga can help relieve some of the strain.

Om, Making Time for a Regular Practise

Mum or not, yoga has undeniable benefits for people in all seasons of life.

And you don’t have to be a contortionist or athlete to get started. There are numerous types of yoga that will suit people of all fitness levels, body types, and goals. If you’re embarking on a yogic life, here are some things to keep in mind.

Release the Need to “Be Perfect”

We all have the image of the “perfect” yoga student. Tall, lithe, lean, and executing each pose effortlessly. Toss that image aside.

Yoga belongs to ALL bodies, and letting go of the need to be perfect will help you immensely---especially when you’re new to yoga.

Focus on your own progress and goals, and you’ll find that every time you practise you get a little bit better. It’s always wise to remember that perfection is unrealistic and unattainable---an idea that could help you in your parenting, too.

Have an Open Mind

Yoga can feel scary at first. But that’s half the fun. When starting out, try to keep an open mind. Your body might try out some positions it’s never been in. You may feel a muscle you’ve never felt before. It’s an exciting part of the journey, and if you proceed with an attitude of curiosity, you’ll get a lot more out of it.

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Take small steps to build new and lasting habits

Try Different Yoga Styles

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles of yoga. There’s no one-size-fits-all yoga class, and there are literally dozens of styles being taught here in Australia and around the world.

Some classes are slower and gentler, focusing more on the breathing and meditation aspects of yoga. Other classes are faster-paced and more of a “workout.” Try as many as you like until you find one that “fits.” It’s also important to find the right teacher; one who is compassionate, patient, and helpful.

PS: Don’t hesitate to let instructors know that you’re a beginner or that it’s your very first time. They’ll keep an eye out for you and help you find your way.

Go with a Friend

Pick a buddy and have her come along to yoga with you. Doing something with a mate can be heaps more fun, and evidence shows that it’s a lot easier to build habits when you are accountable to someone else.

Make Time for Self Care in Your Schedule

There’s a reason yoga is a practise. It’s something that demands repetition and commitment. But something like yoga---or any other form of self care---is something you as a mum need to make time for in your busy schedule. Even if you have only 10 minutes, turn on a yoga video or sit and breathe. These habits will be enormously beneficial to you, helping you navigate the stresses of parenting….and everything else.

Do you practise yoga? What benefits have you found through the experience?

Are You a Mum of Teens? Here's Why Yoga Might Help You Out

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