Inculcating the importance of physical exercise to lead a healthy lifestyle in early childhood, is essential to maintain fitness and health in the long run. Introducing kids to yoga can help them connect with their bodies giving them a holistic approach to physical fitness and mindful well-being. Yoga not only promotes physical health but also helps in boosting mental and emotional development of a child.
In this fast-paced world, where technical developments are soaring, children are getting exposed to screens at a very early age. Studies have shown that this excessive exposure is hampering the development of children in their growing age. Yoga enhances both physical and mental well-being of children and helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
To know which yoga poses should children perform and how yoga helps them in their developmental age, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Manisha Pandey, Yoga Instructor, Holistic Vibes, Noida.
Yoga Poses For Children
Talking about the importance of yoga among children, Pandey said, “Yoga helps in strengthening the mind-body connection. It develops attentiveness, focus, memory power and concentration in children.” Adding, she said that yoga can also increase stamina, strength and flexibility of a child. Anxiety and stress can be relieved through yoga. Here are some yoga poses for kids listed by Pandey.
1. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)
This simple yoga pose, which children might enjoy performing, involves arching and rounding the back. The pose imitates the movements of a cat. It helps in improving flexibility in the spinal cord.
2. Butterfly Pose
Sitting down, children can bring the soles of their feet together and gently flap their knees up and down, resembling the wings of a butterfly. Butterfly pose opens up the hips and stretches inner thighs.
3. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This yoga pose strengthens the arms and legs while stretching the back and hamstrings. Kids can pretend to be stretching like a dog, and the pose is done in a playful funny way.
4. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Tree pose is balancing on one leg with the other foot placed on the inner thigh giving support to the other leg. This is a fantastic asan for kids to maintain balance. This pose helps in boosting concentration, focus, and calms the nervous system.
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5. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Laying down on the stomach, one can lift their chest off the ground and rise like a cobra. This pose helps in improving posture and also strengthens the back muscles.
6. Rabbit Pose (Shashankasana)
To perform this pose, place your butt on your heels, bend over and place your palm on the ground. It helps in stimulating digestive organs and enhances heart health. It increases the flexibility of a child’s body.
In addition to the above mentioned yoga asanas, Pandey also suggested that kids should practice stretching and breathing exercises as well as pranayam. Pandey suggests that children should practice Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayam. It helps in regulating the respiratory system and keeps kids away from various diseases. Concluding, Pandey said, “Yoga is a healthy habit and if inculcated in an early age, and will sustain for long."