Kids these days are so plugged in. They’re always on their phones, tablets, or computers. And when they’re not, they’re watching TV or playing video games. It’s no wonder so many kids are struggling with anxiety and stress.
Dive in straight to 8 easy yoga poses for kids!
Are you looking for a way to get your kids to relax and focus? Why not try yoga! Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical poses, breathwork, and meditation. You might be thinking that yoga is only for adults, but that’s not true! Yoga for kids can be an excellent way to get some exercise, learn how to focus and relax, and have fun.
Why Is Yoga Good for Kids?
Also check out: 10 kids’ meditation lessons with videos
With so many kids spending hours in front of screens, it’s more important than ever for them to get up and move their bodies. Yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that can help to build strength, flexibility, and coordination. Here are some other benefits of yoga for kids:
1. Improves Focus and Concentration
Yogic breathing and meditation techniques can help kids to focus and concentrate. A regular yoga practice can also help still the mind and calm emotions. Your kids will be better able to handle school and life stressors when they have the tools to manage their anxiety.
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When kids can focus and still their minds, they open up the space for creativity. Yoga helps kids think outside the box and see things from new perspectives.
3. Improves Sleep
Many kids struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality. Studies have shown that yoga can help to improve sleep, especially when practiced before bedtime. So, if your kids are having trouble sleeping, a few yoga poses for kids might be just what they need.
4. Boosts Immunity
In these uncertain times, kids need to boost their immunity. Yoga can help increase energy levels and improve circulation, which allows the body to fight off infection.
Also check out: Most useful starting guide on yoga for kids
5. Relieves Stress
Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. With regular yoga practice, kids can learn to cope with stress healthily. Yoga can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Now that you know some of the benefits of yoga for kids, let’s look at some easy yoga poses for kids.
8 Easy Yoga Poses for Kids
1. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tree pose is a great way to improve balance and concentration. Have your child stand with their feet together, then raise one foot and place it on the opposite thigh to do this pose. If they need help, they can place their hand on a wall or your shoulder for support.
2. Tabletop Pose (Bharmanasana)
This pose is perfect for kids who need to release some energy. Make your child come onto all fours and tell them to tuck their toes. Ask them to inhale and lift their hips up to the sky, making an upside-down “V” shape with their body. Tell them to exhale and release their hips back down to the ground.
3. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Marjaryasana-Bitilasana is a great way to release tension in the back and neck. Your kid should start in a tabletop pose, on an inhale, arch their back and look up to the sky. On an exhale, round their back and tuck their chin to their chest. Repeat this flow for a few rounds.
4. Downward-Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This pose might look daunting, but it’s pretty easy (and fun!) for kids to do. It’s a great way to release tension from the back and legs while strengthening the arms, shoulders, and core. To do this pose, your child should start in a tabletop position. Then, they should tuck their toes and lift their hips up to the sky, making an upside-down “V” shape with their body. They can keep their knees bent if they need to.
5. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
The cobra pose is a great way to open up the chest and strengthen the back. Bhujangasana can also help to relieve stress and fatigue. Your child should lie on their stomach with their feet hip-width apart. Then, they should place their hands on the ground next to their chest and lift their head and chest off the ground, keeping their hips on the floor. They can hold this pose for a few breaths before releasing back down to the ground.
6. Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
As the name suggests, this pose is easy to do, and it’s perfect for kids who need to relax. Sukhasana can help calm the mind and the body, and it’s also an excellent way to lengthen the spine. If your child has trouble sitting cross-legged, they can sit on a block or blanket to make it easier.
7. Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I)
If your kid feels a little sluggish, the warrior I pose is a great way to boost energy levels. This pose also strengthens the legs, ankles, and feet. Make your child come into a low lunge position with their back leg straight and their front leg bent at a 90-degree angle. Then, they should raise their arms to the sky and look up at their hands. To release the pose, they can lower their arms and step their back leg forward to meet their front leg.
8. Locust Pose (Salabhasana)
Getting kids up and moving can be challenging with so much time spent indoors. The locust pose is a great way to get them moving while also strengthening the back. Your child should lie on their stomach with their feet hip-width apart and their arms by their sides. Then, they should lift their head, chest, and legs off the ground, keeping their hips on the floor. They can hold this pose for a few breaths before releasing back down to the ground.
Let’s Make the Kids Fit!
There you have it; eight yoga poses for kids that are not only easy but fun too! These yoga poses can help to improve concentration, relieve stress and anxiety, and boost energy levels. So next time your kid is feeling a little antsy, bring out the yoga mat and let them try out these poses. And, don’t forget to make it fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you teach yoga to kids?
There are many ways to teach yoga to kids. You can start by doing some simple poses yourself and then having your child imitate you. Or, you can use props such as stuffed animals or puppets to help demonstrate the poses. You can also use stories or songs to help teach kids the poses. Whatever method you choose, make sure to keep it fun and engaging for your child.
What if my child can’t do a certain yoga pose?
If your child has trouble with a particular yoga pose, that’s okay! There’s no need to force them into a pose that doesn’t feel comfortable for them. Instead, you can try modifying the pose or having them do an easier version of the pose.
