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                     Promoting Active living in individuals with Down Syndrome

What we need to know

 Before engaging/ involving individuals with Down syndrome in any form of physical exercise/activity we need to be aware of and understand

• Their medical and genetic strength and weakness
• Their Cognitive challenges 
• Their physical activity and limitation

Why?

• Individuals with Down syndrome can become very tired, very quickly
• Their gross and fine motor skill weakness and hypotonia provides major limitation in them and causes basic activities like sitting, writing, running, walking, and jumping to be very difficult
• Knowing their abilities and limitation potentially help teachers structure simple active living exercise/ movements that best fits their students' ability.

My baby steps to promote physical fitness in individuals with Down syndrome

I integrate physical fitness and movement within my students using a utilitarian approach.

• Encouraging students to use stairs instead of elevators whenever possible
• Simple 5 minute body stretching exercise in between lessons.

For the past five weeks, after every 50 minutes of lesson, we did some simple body stretch movements. I encouraged my students to do breathing exercise followed by body stretch and movements. During the first week some students were reluctant to take part in it and preferred watching instead.

Students had the freedom to do movements they were comfortable with and was within their ability.

Results showed after first week. The movements were so motivating that soon every student participated this short body stretch movement exercise we did in between class. With the addition of music “ Gangnam style” students vitality peaked and they flowed with the music. Now it has become part of our classroom culture and lesson. Every student waits for the moment. I call this active living, the connection of mind and body

My personal live experience of mind body connection and health as I move through these two years of HEALing journey

The Beginning: My First class

"Bikram Yoga"

The beginning of my first class was a torture for me. Within five minutes of entry in the room I wanted to run out. The room was so warm, about 40 degrees. The instructor began with deep breathing exercise, breathing that shook me and made me feel dizzy. I remembered the term vitality! Where did I stand in my vitality at that moment? Was it inflated or deflated? Before I could even figure it out I heard my instructor calling out aloud “ Hand stretched out straight Sunita, Well done! Deep breathes … The energized instructors voice and the environment flowed me into the floor flowing my mind and body with the instructions for the next 90 minutes. In between I could hear the words of my instructor," it's not easy but nothing is easy! Take in charge of your own health! Ninety minutes will give you Ninety years of life".

My body aches and my muscle pains

Will I make to my next yoga class!

          Mind Body Relationship

The mind is in the body! My question is.....

What is the connection between mind and body and how does it affect and determine ones living and most importantly ones health? 

After some restless nights of sleep I found the answer to my question.

The benefit of the connection between mind and body is not something new. It was there, it is there and it will be there. Ancient systems and mantras accentuated the interconnection between mind and body and its power of healing. The yoga, one of the oldest traditional forms of meditation is all about connecting the mind and body. So what is the connection between mind, body and health? I believe good health depends on a balance between ones mind, body and immediate environment. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga, brings about psychological changes and has a positive impact on ones health. It can be used to lower stress levels and support a patient’s journey through illnesses and trauma.

According to James Gordon, Director and Founder, Center for Mind-Body Medicine, “the health of our minds and the health of our bodies are inextricably connected to the transformation of the spirit.”

What will happen if we disconnect out body from our mind?

We cannot have thoughts without our body with us because our bodies are part of our thoughts. We may sometimes get disconnect from, or become consciously unaware of, our bodies but we cannot get disconnected. Without full awareness of our body, we will not be aware of our feelings and lose a sense of meaning in our lives. 

The strength of prayer (for me)

I start my day with a prayer. Not an hour-long prayer but at least a short 10 minutes prayer.  Praying connects my mind and body spiritually. It gives me a sense of peace, confidence and a sense of identity. I am not saying prayer gives me miracles but it says something incalculably important to me and tells me who I am. It gives me faith, courage and confidence to move ahead without any fear and doubts.  

Using mind Body therapy to empower children with special needs

As a special education teacher I believe that mind body techniques can help a stressed child calm down and regulate his/ her emotions. Fun, engaging mindful regular physical activities can help special needs individuals with Down syndrome, ADHD and Autism regulate their challenging emotions and calm down. One of the major concerns of children with special needs is their challenge in making social connections. Mind body techniques can help these individuals be more socially engaged. 

The social and emotional challenges of children within special needs can be devastating not only for the child but for their family as well. Research has shown that engaging in some form of physical activity releases serotonin, which compensates for their sadness and allows these children to feel better, happier and more positive. When these children are physically engaged the chances of them breaking down emotionally decreases thus allowing for greater progress academically and socially. Creating a mind body experience through simple interactive games can help students with special needs in their memory retention as well. Body movement improves mood and enables students to stay focused. 

“Where do I go from here?” How can I empower my student towards healthy and active living? 

In my next posting I am excited to share with you my four weeks of baby steps to promote physical fitness in individuals with Down syndrome. 

My personal live experience of mind body connection and health as I move through these two years of HEALing journey
Hear my personal experience and journey as I join Yoga class. My goal is to experience mind body connection and its implication/benefits on my health.