Yoga Tips: The most beneficial yoga poses for children, practice during summer holidays

Yoga can be a wonderful activity for children during summer holidays as it helps promote physical strength, flexibility, mindfulness, and relaxation. Here are some beneficial yoga poses for children to practice:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with feet together, palms facing forward, and shoulders relaxed. This pose helps improve posture, balance, and focus.

2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): Stand on one leg and place the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh or calf. Keep the hands in a prayer position at the heart center. Tree pose helps improve balance, concentration, and leg strength.

3. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on all fours, then lift the hips up, straightening the arms and legs into an inverted V shape. This pose stretches the entire body, strengthens the arms and legs, and increases energy levels.

4. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana): Sit on the floor, bring the soles of the feet together, and gently press the knees down. This pose stretches the inner thighs, improves flexibility, and stimulates digestion.

5. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Start on all fours, then round the back while tucking the chin (cat pose), and then lift the chest and arch the back (cow pose). This pose promotes spinal flexibility and coordination.

6. Child's Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor, touch the big toes together, and sit back on the heels while stretching the arms forward. This relaxing pose helps calm the mind, relieves stress, and gently stretches the back.

7. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar): A series of poses performed in a flowing sequence, including forward bends, lunges, and upward-facing dog. Sun salutations increase strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness.

8. Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie flat on the back with arms relaxed by the sides. Close the eyes and focus on deep relaxation and conscious breathing. This final relaxation pose helps children unwind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm.

Remember to encourage children to listen to their bodies, practice within their comfort zone, and never force any pose. It's also essential to make the yoga practice fun and engaging by incorporating storytelling, animal themes, or playing soft music. Consider joining a children's yoga class or using kid-friendly yoga resources to make the experience enjoyable and safe for them.