Getting your child to do exercise outside of school can be tough. But yoga for kids can be a fun and easy way to get them active and heart-healthy. Here’s how!
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Yoga has been around for thousands of years. This ancient practice is used to connect the mind, body, and spirit. Moreover, it’s known for its healing powers, such as reducing stress, improving flexibility, and calming the mind. Did you know that yoga can also be practiced by children? In fact, it offers kids many benefits including enhancing focus and boosting confidence.
If you’re looking for a way to bond with your family, yoga might be a great activity to try. Read on to learn more about the benefits of yoga for children and various poses your family can try together.
Stress Management
Yoga isn’t just about holding a pose — it also involves mindfulness and controlled breathing. The latter can help reduce stress and anxiety in children. For example, rather than throwing a tantrum, children can learn how to focus, breathe, and self-soothe. This is also a skill that they can utilize later in life when dealing with everyday stressors and pressures.
Better Sleep
Because yoga is all about relaxation and mindfulness, it can help children relieve tension and negative emotions. This can help them fall asleep more quickly and have a deeper sleep. Best of all, you don’t have to complete a full yoga class before bed: A few simple stretches can help enhance sleep.
Family Bonding
Yoga is a great way to bond with your children. If you make it part of a routine, they’ll likely look forward to their weekly yoga practice, especially if you make it fun. Don’t be afraid to get silly. For example, you can turn each pose into a different animal or make funny sounds. You can even offer a positive reward for completing each yoga session, such as a fun sticker. Yoga is a great way for the family to stay active.
Poses to Try
There are many yoga poses that you can try together as a family. Start off with mastering some easy ones, then work your way up from there. Some easy yoga poses for kids include:
- Easy pose: Sit upright on the floor or a yoga mat with legs crossed. Keep the head, neck, and spine aligned. Rest the hands on the knees and face your palms up. Hold the pose for about 60 seconds. Then you can release the pose and change the cross-legged position.
- Ragdoll: Start with the feet hip-width apart and knees relaxed. Bend forward and let the arms fall toward the floor. Slowly move the head up and down and take a few deep breaths. When releasing the pose, slowly roll back up to standing. The ragdoll pose helps stretch the lower back.
To learn more about the benefits of yoga for children, see the accompanying resource.
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