A 5-minute Morning Yoga Routine to Set Your Kid Up for Success

A 5-minute Morning Yoga Routine to Set Your Kid Up for Success

Written by Dr. Sandy Zanella, Author of Happy Yogis Book

Do you know what some of the benefits of yoga for kids are? 

Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve both physical and mental health in school-age children. 

Yoga has been shown to help calm the mind and body as well as improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behaviour, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children. 

As a mom, I find that yoga helps kids navigate transitions successfully - like when they wake up, or after-school pick up. 

A lot of kids have a hard time with transitions, especially when the activity is unexpected or unwanted. 

Reading Happy Yogis Book and using it as a part of your morning routine can help set your kids up for success because, remember, the way we start our day often predicts the quality of our day and quality of life. It all starts with a good morning routine!

It’s not always easy but these other tips along with yoga can help a lot, especially if you create the habit of a morning routine: 

  • Give them a heads up. For example, when we go to the park, I make sure to tell them we have 5 more minutes before we go. 
  • Always explain to them what’s next
  • Be consistent with your daily routine 
  • Use a transition object like a special blanket, plush toy, or doll. If they have a special toy this can help them with smooth transitions, for example from home to school or back home.
  • Allow for extra time without rushing

 Morning Yoga Routine with Happy Yogis Book

  • Read page number 3 where there is a question asking them to think about what they are grateful for. 
  • While still lying on bed, do the belly breathing exercise: Deep breathing increases oxygen supply to get them ready to focus and start they day with a great attitude. It also teaches them how to regulate themselves. 
  • Pick 3 poses from the book. I suggest the downward dog pose, plank pose and camel pose. Begin by holding each pose for 10 seconds with an equal break in between. As they get the hang of it, you can increase the length of the holds. Don’t forget to repeat the affirmations. If they want to continue with all the 12 poses, that’s even better!
  • End your little routine sending kind thoughts to themselves followed by their loved ones, and the world.

All in all, this practice only takes about 5-10 minutes. 

About Happy Yogis Book

Happy Yogis is a pose-by-pose yoga book with positive affirmations, and short mindfulness activities that will help children feel strong, empowered, relaxed, etc. Repeating affirmations will encourage them to be kind to themselves and others. Studies show that kids with a positive self-image are more confident, more curious, happier and more accepting of their mistakes. 

Remember that yoga is a lifelong journey you can take together as a family 💕

 

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