Build mentally strong kids!
Last week, our blog “Yoga for kids” explored the emerging positive research that says kids who practice yoga can benefit from improved attention, greater self-esteem, a sense of empowerment, and an ability to self-regulate. This week we have some examples for you.
Harvard Health published some simple yoga exercises for kids. If you’re a parent who has done yoga before, these might be fun to try at home.
Yoga pose: Flying bird breath
- Mountain pose! Stand tall, arms at your sides and feet hip-width apart
- Keep your arms straight, inhale, and raise your arms (“wings”) until your palms touch above your head—like you’re a bird preparing to fly
- Exhale slowly as you bring your arms back down to your sides, palms facing down
- Repeat with each breath—inhale as you raise arms, and exhale as you lower arms
Yoga game: Mirror, mirror
This game is good for warm-up and to increase focus
- Choose a leader!
- The leader chooses a pose and shows it to everyone
- The other players copy the leader’s pose as if they are looking into a mirror
- Everyone who wants to should have a turn at being the leader
Meditation
Meditation can be as short and simple as a bedtime routine where you turn off all electronics and ask reflective questions like, “What was your favorite part of today?” or “What do you feel thankful for today?” These simple meditations for kids can be done for as little as 30 seconds.
Mindful awareness meditation
- Find a comfortable position (sitting or lying down)
- Close your eyes
- Focus on every single sound you hear
Kindness meditation
- Find a comfortable position (sitting or lying down)
- Close your eyes and bring to mind someone you love
- Just think about that person for a moment
For TONS of great yoga poses for kids with pictures, visit Kids Yoga Stories.