{"id":260278,"date":"2018-10-30T11:57:39","date_gmt":"2018-10-30T15:57:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gozen.com\/?p=260278"},"modified":"2022-07-19T07:26:23","modified_gmt":"2022-07-19T11:26:23","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-stress-relief-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gozen.com\/8-yoga-poses-for-stress-relief-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Kid Yoga Poses for Stress Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you ever feel like you have the world on your shoulders \u2013 between being a parent, an employee, a partner, a friend, a pet-owner \u2013 and then notice a shoulder muscle that won\u2019t relax? Or a pain in your hip, foot, head, or back? Surely, we\u2019ve all noticed the connection between busy and stressful times in our lives and the aches and pains we feel in our bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can surmise that our children experience this, too. Has your son ever complained of a tummy-ache, but was just nervous about going to school? How about the general complaint from your daughter that \u201cI just don\u2019t feel good,\u201d but she can\u2019t pinpoint what hurts, or why? We don\u2019t have to look far to see examples of the mind-body connection. So what can we do in these moments, when we\u2019re getting the message that we\u2019re in a place of \u201cdis-ease\u201d? We can move our bodies! We can breathe, stretch and shake loose our discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Introducing the \u201cPrisma Pals,\u201d a new set of GoZen<\/a>! characters that offer a series of yoga postures targeting the upper back, neck, and shoulders \u2013 the places we most often carry stress. We encourage you to do these poses with your child; take this time-out together, now, to breathe and relax as the Prisma Pals guide you into ease and peace in both mind and body.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Easy<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

1. Easy Pose with Forward Bend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The next time your child needs to find calm, try helping them into this pose. Sit down with legs in \u201ccriss-cross applesauce,\u201d or in \u201cpretzel-style,\u201d or simply sit cross-legged. Then, take a nice big inhale, and on the exhale bend forward. Rest your head on your forearms (like the orange otter), or even on the floor. Stay here and breathe. Take a few slow inhales and exhales, and then sit up. Straighten your legs and shake them out. Notice how you feel.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Standing<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. Standing Forward Bend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is your child stuck in worrisome thoughts? Do you have any tension in your shoulders? This will address both by flipping you upside down and allowing your head and arms to hang heavy. Stand tall, slightly bend your knees, and clasp your hands (or wings!) behind your back. Breathe in, and as you breathe out, bend forward and bring your arms over your head. Feel the stretch between your shoulder blades and at the back of your thighs. Stay here and breathe \u2013 a few calm inhales and exhales \u2013 and then with hands on hips, slowly come back up and stand. Notice how you feel.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Wide-Legged<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

3. Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For this pose, you\u2019ll want a yoga block or a puffy pillow.<\/em> Does your child have a busy monkey brain that won\u2019t slow down or turn off? Have you been sitting all day and want to stretch your legs? Try this! Stand with your feet wide apart, hands on your hips. Take a big breath in, and as you exhale, bend forward and bring your hands to the floor or to blocks. You can bend your knees slightly or walk your hands forward if that helps. Let your forehead rest on a pillow to help calm your mind. Stay here and breathe \u2013 a few calm inhales and exhales \u2013 and then with hands on hips, slowly come back up and stand.<\/p>\n\n\n

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4. Rabbit Pose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are tired, stressed, or your child is on the verge of a meltdown, let it all go in rabbit pose. With your child, together you\u2019ll be imitating the shape of our orange otter friend. Start in child\u2019s pose. Now, clasp your hands behind your back, lift your hips and carefully roll forward onto the crown of your head. Notice where you feel the stretch, and back off if it\u2019s too much. Stay here and take a few breaths in and out. When you\u2019re ready, lower your hips back down and release your arms. Relax in child\u2019s pose until you\u2019re ready to sit up.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Thunderbolt<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

5. Thunderbolt Pose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Will \u201ca little fun\u201d be the cure for the current mood? Let\u2019s give this one a try with Esme the Green Elephant! Kneel down and sit back on your feet. Extend your arms straight in front of you and then bend them so your palms face you and your fingers point straight up. Place your left elbow into your right \u2013 pass your right hand in front of your left \u2013 bring palms together, or even just a few fingers on to the left palm. Did you get it? This is a great place to laugh at the pretzel knot you\u2019ve created with your arms! Hold your pose and breathe in and out. Feel the stretch between the shoulder blades. Now, switch arms, breathe, and release.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Side<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

6. Side Stretch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHead, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes!\u201d Yes, let\u2019s give the head and shoulders a rest in this yummy side stretch. Sit on the floor in a comfortable position. Walk your right hand away from you and drop your head toward your right shoulder. Inhale, stretch your left arm over your head and notice where you feel a stretch. Keep your head and shoulders relaxed as you breathe in and out. When ready, switch sides, breathe, and release.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Plow<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

7. Plow Pose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Has it been a long, busy day for you and your kids, and you\u2019re eager to get off your feet? If so, you\u2019ll surely appreciate this pose, which starts with lying on your back. From here, pull your knees into your chest and start rocking forward and back until you can safely swing your legs up over your head. Be careful with the weight on your neck \u2013 bring your hands to your back to support yourself. Your legs can stay vertical, with toes pointing to the sky, or your toes can touch the floor behind your head. Stay here and breathe, at least 3 – 5 breaths, and then slowly roll out of plow pose.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Resting<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

8. Resting Pose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a contest \u2013 who can be still for the longest period of time? Let\u2019s find out. Just like our red bear prisma pal (is he in hibernation?), lie down on your back, eyes opened or closed. Take a big breath in, open your mouth and let it all go. Feel your arms and legs rest heavy on the floor. Inhale and exhale loudly, even sighing perhaps, two more times. Then, stay here and breathe easily until you\u2019re sure you\u2019ve stayed still the longest. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n