Half-Term Yoga: Energising and Calming Practices for Kids
Half-term is a wonderful time for children to take a break from school, but it can also bring challenges for parents trying to balance work, household tasks, and keeping kids entertained. With excess energy to burn and routines disrupted, children can sometimes become restless or overwhelmed. This is where yoga can be a fantastic tool—not only as a way to keep kids active but also to introduce moments of calm and mindfulness into their day.
Practicing yoga with children doesn’t have to be long or complicated. It can be playful, imaginative, and full of movement, making it a great way to connect as a family. Whether your child needs a burst of energy in the morning or a relaxing wind-down before bed, these yoga practices will help bring balance to your half-term break.
The Benefits of Yoga for Kids
Before diving into the practices, let’s look at why yoga is so beneficial for children:
Boosts Energy in a Healthy Way – Active yoga poses get children moving and help release pent-up energy, making them a great alternative to screen time or sugary snacks.
Encourages Mindfulness and Focus – Yoga teaches children to slow down, pay attention to their breath, and be present in the moment, which can improve concentration and emotional regulation.
Supports Emotional Wellbeing – Half-term can sometimes bring frustration or boredom. Yoga provides a healthy way to express emotions and manage stress.
Strengthens the Body – Practicing yoga improves flexibility, balance, and coordination while developing strength in a fun and engaging way.
Creates a Bonding Experience – Yoga is a fantastic way for parents and kids to spend time together, promoting connection and relaxation.
Now, let’s explore some energising and calming yoga practices that will help shape a balanced half-term routine.
Energising Yoga for Kids: Morning and Midday Boosts
If your child wakes up feeling sluggish or needs a boost of energy during the day, these yoga poses will get them moving while keeping things lighthearted and fun.
1. Sun Salutations – Wake Up and Shine!
Sun Salutations are a great way to energise the body in the morning. You can make them playful by pretending to be the sun waking up, stretching wide, and shining bright.
How to do it:
Stand tall, reach your arms up to the sky, and take a deep breath in.
Fold forward and touch your toes as you breathe out.
Step back into a high plank, pretending to be a strong mountain.
Lower down onto your tummy and lift into a little cobra, hissing like a snake.
Push back into downward dog, wagging your tail like a happy puppy.
Step forward, reach your arms up, and shine like the sun!
Repeat this sequence a few times to create warmth and energy in the body.
2. Superhero Pose – Feel Strong and Confident
Standing in a superhero stance can help boost confidence and encourage kids to feel powerful and ready for the day.
How to do it:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your hips, lift your chest, and take deep breaths.
Imagine you are a superhero about to take on the world!
Hold for a few breaths, then jump into action like your favourite hero.
3. Animal-Inspired Poses – Make Yoga Playful
Children love using their imagination, so turn yoga into an animal adventure!
Frog Jumps – Squat down like a frog and leap forward, making ribbit sounds.
Lion’s Breath – Kneel on the floor, take a deep breath in, then stick out your tongue and roar like a lion as you breathe out. This helps release tension.
Butterfly Pose – Sit with the soles of your feet together and flutter your knees like butterfly wings, imagining you’re flying through a beautiful garden.
These poses keep yoga engaging and fun while still offering great physical benefits.
Calming Yoga for Kids: Evening Wind-Down
As the day winds down, these poses and breathing exercises will help kids relax, release any tension, and prepare for restful sleep.
1. Balloon Breath – Deep Breathing for Relaxation
Breathing exercises help children calm their minds and bodies before bed.
How to do it:
Sit or lie down comfortably.
Place your hands on your belly and imagine you are inflating a balloon inside.
Inhale deeply through the nose, feeling your belly rise like a big balloon.
Slowly exhale through the mouth, imagining the balloon deflating.
Repeat for a few minutes, making the breath soft and steady.
2. Forward Fold – Letting Go of the Day
A simple forward fold helps release tension in the back and quiet the mind.
How to do it:
Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you.
Take a deep breath in, then fold forward, reaching for your toes.
Relax your head and let go of any thoughts from the day.
Hold for a few breaths, then slowly sit back up.
3. Starfish Relaxation – A Guided Mini Meditation
A calming end to any yoga session, this guided meditation encourages complete relaxation.
How to do it:
Lie down on your back with arms and legs stretched out like a starfish.
Close your eyes and imagine floating on a soft cloud.
Take slow, gentle breaths, feeling the body becoming lighter and more relaxed.
Stay here for a few minutes, letting all tension melt away.
You can guide your child through this by speaking softly and encouraging them to visualise peaceful images, such as a beach, a garden, or a warm hug.
Bringing Yoga into Your Half-Term Routine
Yoga doesn’t have to be a structured practice—it can be woven into everyday life. Here are some simple ways to include yoga and mindfulness during half-term:
Morning Routine: Start the day with a few energising stretches.
Outdoor Yoga: Take yoga to the garden or park and enjoy the fresh air.
Mindful Breaks: Use breathing exercises during stressful moments.
Bedtime Wind-Down: End the day with a few calming poses before sleep.
By incorporating yoga into half-term, you’ll not only help your child stay active and engaged but also introduce them to lifelong tools for managing energy and emotions.
Final Thoughts
Half-term is a great opportunity to slow down, have fun, and try new activities together. Whether through energetic movements in the morning or calming breathing exercises at night, yoga offers a simple yet powerful way to bring balance to your child’s day.
If you're looking for more ways to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into family life, why not try a local yoga class or retreat? At Sussex Yoga, we offer a range of classes that encourage movement, relaxation, and well-being for all ages.
So, roll out the yoga mat, take a deep breath, and enjoy a half-term filled with movement, mindfulness, and moments of calm.
Namaste, Angela
