Yoga is a wonderful practice and way of life for people of all ages. The type of one’s practice, on the other hand, varies based on one’s age and particular needs. Children, in particular, can benefit immensely from a daily yoga practice for a variety of reasons.
Benefits of Yoga for Kids
Yoga for kids helps in self-expression and the development of a strong link between what they hear and what they do. It specifically helps in the management of anxiety, improves emotional control, raises self-esteem, increases body awareness and mindfulness, and, finally, teaches discipline and lowers impulsivity in children.
7 Easy and Effective Yoga Poses for Children
Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
This is the most basic of all the poses a child can attempt. Performing this pose strengthens the back, thighs, and hips, stretches the knees and feet, and reduces anxiety and stress.
Steps:
- Cross your legs and sit upright.
- Hands should be placed palms up on the knees.
- Ensure that your weight is distributed evenly across your sit bones.
- Maintain flexibility in your neck while lengthening your spine.
- Lengthen your spine while keeping your neck flexible.
- Relax your toes and thighs.
- For a minute, hold this position.
- Release and switch your legs to get out of your cross-legged position.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This pose is extremely soothing and grounding for a child. It can also be used to calm a child who is overwhelmed, unhappy, or hyperactive, but it can simply be used to relax in general.
Steps:
- Begin by getting down on your hands and knees to begin.
- Return your hips to their original position, close to your heels.
- Arms can be curled to the sides or stretched in front of the body.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
The Cobra Pose is the next great yoga pose for kids. It assists in the development of strong abs and a strong back. This yoga pose might be the solution to the problem of obesity if it is practiced regularly.
Steps:
- To begin, lie face down on the floor with your feet flat on the floor.
- Now, hold your palms on each side of your body and elevate your back to engage your abdomen.
- Keep your chin high and avoid putting too much weight on your hands.
- Lastly, hold this position for a few seconds before releasing it.
The Dog Pose (Adho Mukhasvanasana)
This yoga pose for kids strengthens their entire bodies. Their arms, legs, shoulders, and stomach are all engaged in the activity. Some claim that kids who practice this pose on a daily basis will grow taller because it lengthens their hamstrings.
Steps:
- Start on all fours on the desk position.
- Place your fingers flat on the ground and unfold your arms wide.
- Stretch your legs to make an inverted V shape.
- Relax your head and neck at the same time as searching among your legs.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tree pose, also known as Vrksasana, teaches your child the grace of a tree, standing tall, and maintaining balance. This position enhances balance and concentration while also strengthening the thigh muscles, calves, and ankles and stretching the legs and chest.
Steps:
- Begin with the mountain stance, in which the legs are straight, the hands are at the sides, the back is straight, and the thigh muscles are solid.
- Raise the right foot, knee out.
- Place the right foot on the left inner thigh in a comfortable position.
- Put your hands together above your head.
- Focus your attention on a place about five feet distant.
- Hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Lower the right leg after returning the hands to the chest.
- Do it again using your left leg.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
Children might find this pose terrific since the Warrior I pose or the Virabhadrasana I focuses on balance, strength, and focus.
Steps:
- Step into a high lunge with your front leg bent at a 90° angle.
- Bring the back foot to a 45° angle to the ground.
- Raise the arms to the sky while keeping the hips square.
- Take a few deep breaths and hold for a few seconds.
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Though this yoga stance appears to be simple, no, this pose can be difficult since it requires patience. The benefits of this yoga pose result in a lower heart rate and blood pressure, as well as decreased muscle tension and a lower metabolic rate. It also helps in the reduction of insomnia, anxiety, and weariness, as well as improved productivity, memory, and focus.
Steps:
- Begin by lying down on your back with your legs straight and your arms at your sides. The arms should be six inches out from the body at the very least.
- Close your eyes and turn your palms upwards.
- Allow your feet to sink open.
- While resting the body’s weight on the ground, breathe normally.
- Exhale slowly, relaxing and de-stressing all of your body parts.
