Abstract

Help teens access the therapeutic power of yoga and mindfulness in their daily lives with this guide. Explaining the science of yoga and how this ties in with adolescent physical and neurological development, the book also gives concrete ways to use yogic techniques to overcome issues such as anxiety, bullying, relationship issues, depression and sleep deprivation.

The applied yoga in this book includes not only asana, pranayama, meditation and yoga nidra exercises, but also throws the net wider to include visualisations, philosophy and modes of thinking. Including the latest research and evidence on yoga therapy, it shows how yoga's positive influence extends beyond specific issues. The methods in this book will instil a long-lasting sense of optimism and self-regulation among young people both on and off the mat.

Charlotta Martinus is a yoga therapist for mental health and a Yoga Alliance accredited Senior Yoga Teacher. She is founder of TeenYoga, an organisation providing international yoga and mindfulness teacher training for working with teens.

While I was overseeing police youth strategy in Somerset I witnessed how the 'Teen Yoga' programme was consistently able to help and guide young people to become well-rounded, grounded, thoughtful and compassionate citizens. I saw how it addressed existing angst, heartache and behavioural issues in young people who were struggling to understand their lives and emotions. I can not recommend this guide to those and supporting young people enough.

This comprehensive, easy-to-read, structured and evidenced guide is a must-have for those working in youth development, mental health, or simply working with common teen issues.

Dr Simon Selby, PhD, PGCE, CLJ, Visiting Lecturer in Criminal Justice

As an educator, mental health professional and yoga therapist working with teens, this is the book that so many of us have been waiting for.

Charlotta brings forth a well-balanced mixture of the evidence base, experience and opportunity for personal engagement and reflections on the work. She offers many practices and exercises to share with young people and to deepen our own practice in an accessible and informative way.

Dr Lucy Arnsby-Wilson, Clinical Psychologist, Director and Founder of The Maya Project
An important contribution at an important time... Martinus explores the unique challenges faced by teens and how yoga offers a valuable "well-being toolbox to live an optimal life". Covering essential topics from depression to addiction, this book offers simple, practical, tried-and tested techniques. For those teaching teens, this is essential reading.
Simon Haas, teacher of yoga philosophy and author of The Book of Dharma and Yoga and the Dark Night of the Soul
Recent research documents that yoga can promote mental health and well-being. Adolescence can be a rather stressful period of life, so yoga is likely to be especially relevant for teens. Charlotta Martinus is a world-leading expert on yoga for teens, and this book targets yoga teachers, yoga therapists, teenagers and parents. I expect that they will welcome this book as much as I do.
Ingunn Hagen, Professor, Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Charlotta Martinus brings out the challenges and opportunities facing teenagers today and shows how yoga is a solution and a way to optimize their potential. In a rapidly changing world teenagers everywhere are vulnerable, yet receptive to practices like yoga; this is highlighted with interesting anecdotes, information, and empathy for the problems faced by young people. The book skilfully blends theory and practice, and all yoga therapists, teachers and parents would benefit from reading it.
Shirley Telles, MBBS, PhD (Neurophysiology), Director, Pantanjali Research Foundation, India