April 10, 2023
April is National Stress Awareness Month, and we could all use a little reminder to stop, take a breath, and smell the roses for a change. Troop 5034 took a yoga approach to finding their inner balance by bringing class to a troop meeting!
Nine Girl Scouts between Brownie and Senior level joined in the activity, offering a wide range of age participation amongst the troop.
“The girls were led by some of our girls’ moms, one of whom, Debra Hallowell, is a trained yoga teacher and has her own private yoga instruction within studios in the area,” said Troop Leader Tina Foster.
First the girls began working on the floor, practicing their sitting yoga poses on mats before moving up to their feet in poses like tree and downward dog. But yoga isn’t just about moving your body, it’s a holistic method of exercise. With that in mind, Debra walked the girls through some breathing activities and discussed the benefits of calming your nerves and anxieties through a healthy, steady, flow of oxygen.
“Many of our girls loved practicing the cat cow pose because they got to moo like cows and meow like cats which they thought was really fun,” says Tina.
Not only did the girls get to stretch, twist, and bend their bodies in new ways, they also worked towards various health and wellness badges and gained a whole new understanding on healthy living, nutrition, and leading a happy, balanced life.
“The girls learned that yoga can help with their digestive tracks, their balance, and flexibility. We also discussed healthy eating, hydration, and the importance of relaxation. This was a memorable activity for us all,” says Tina.