According to "Yoga for Kids," a Yoga Journal article, yoga positions provide children with multiple physical and psychological benefits. Yoga increases personal calmness and teaches relaxation techniques while improving concentration and flexibility. Yoga encourages body awareness, and according to Yoga Journal, children who practice it may experience high self esteem and positive body image.
Balloon Breath Pose
Radiant Child Yoga Program, a training program for youth yoga teachers, promotes the balloon breath pose as an effective pose for kids.The pose expands lung capacity and encourages children to focus on breathing while appreciating air as the body's life source for energy. Additionally, the breathing relaxes the central nervous system and calms the mind.
To do the balloon breath pose, sit cross-legged. Sit up straight, relax your shoulders and rest your arms by yours sides. Pretend that your body is a deflated balloon that needs air. Inhale your arms out to your sides, lifting them above your head. (Your hands will look like a balloon once they are above your head.) After "filling" the balloon with as much air as you can, release the air from the imaginary balloon. To do this, exhale vocally through your mouth and nose, simultaneously lowering your arms to the start position.
Feel Your Heart Pose
This calming pose encourages children to quiet their mind, relax their body and appreciate their body, according to Radiant Child Yoga. It allows them to connect with their body and observe the work that their heart does for them.
To do the "feel your heart pose," sit in a cross-legged or comfortable position. Straighten your back and relax your shoulders. Lift your chin so that it is parallel to the ground and gaze straight ahead. Closing your eyes during this pose may further relaxation. Bring your palms together in front of your body, fingers pointing towards the ceiling. Press your thumbs against your chest. While holding in this position, focus on your heart beat and appreciate the work that it is doing for your body.
Butterfly Pose
According to the Flow Yoga Center, the hips store tension and anxiety. Butterfly pose opens up the inner thighs while engaging a child's imagination. To do the butterfly pose, sit on a mat. Press the soles of your feet together, hold onto your toes and let your knees relax towards the ground. Straighten your spine, gaze ahead and relax your shoulders. Imagine that your legs are butterfly wings. Gently, flap your knees up and down. Doing this warms up and stretches the inner thighs.
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