Our personality is a great reflection of our childhood upbringing. The influence of home, schooling, teachers and friends shape our thoughts and behaviour. Being at an impressive age, it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that the child is nourished not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually.

Children are spiritual by nature. The conditioning of social norms and our upbringing sometimes inhibit their vibrant development. Yoga is a great way to sow the seeds of connection between our children. The basic element of yoga practice is to form a union. The translation of 'yuj' in Sanskrit is 'to unite' or 'union'. Roll out yoga mats to share yoga knowledge.

Simple techniques of asanas, pranayama, breath mediation or chanting can be done with children. Surya Namaskar has amazing benefits for the mind, body and soul. Get used to doing it from an early age. Apart from this, some other yoga can also be helpful for you. Yoga Master, Spiritual Guru and Lifestyle Coach, Grand Master Aksharji is telling us about these Yogasanas on the occasion of International Yoga Day.

Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is our offering of gratitude to the Sun God. The flow consists of a scientific sequence of 8 powerful yoga postures. When these are done in repetitions, the 12 count makes a half cycle and the 24 count completes one cycle for the right and left sides.

Surya Namaskar is an effective workout for the entire body. The best practice is in the morning on an empty stomach, we can do Surya Namaskar at any time of the day. Apart from this, it also provides mental, physical and spiritual benefits.

Steps to do Surya Namaskar

  • Position 1: Salutation posture
  • Position 2: Hasta Utthanasana
  • Position 3: Padahastasana
  • Position 4: Horse steering
  • Position 5: Equilibrium
  • Position 6: AshtangaNamaskar Asana
  • Position 7: Bhujangasana
  • Position 8: Downward breathing
  • Position 9: Horse Steering
  • Position 10: Padahastasana
  • Position 11: Hasta Uttanasana
  • Position 12: Pranamasana

Downward breathing

  • You can easily do this yoga with children.
  • Start with palms under shoulders and knees under hips.
  • Lift the knees and hips, taking both feet backwards.
  • Straighten knees and elbows and form an inverted 'V' shape.
  • Keep hands shoulder-width apart.
  • The fingers should be facing forward.
  • Apply pressure on the palms and open the shoulder blades.
  • Push the ankles to the floor.
  • Stay in this position for a few seconds.
  • Keep your eyes focused on the toes.

Benefits

  • It stretches the whole body and gives strength.
  • Helps in relieving back pain.
  • Rejuvenates the body.
  • Useful in relieving headaches, fatigue and insomnia.
  • Tones the muscles of the body.
  • Gives strength to the legs, shoulders and arms.
  • Reduces anxiety and depression.
  • The body gets a 360-degree stretch from this mudra.

Paschimottanasana

  • Start with Dandasana.
  • Make sure the knees are slightly bent while the legs are extended forward.
  • Extend the arms upwards and keep the spine straight.
  • Exhale and while exhaling, bend forward at the hip.
  • Keep the upper body on the lower body.
  • Lower the arms and clasp the toes.
  • Try to touch the knees with the nose.
  • Remain in this posture for 10 seconds.

Benefits

  • It acts as a stress reliever.
  • Reduces the accumulation of fat in the abdomen.
  • Removes anxiety, anger and irritability.
  • Calms the mind.
  • Stretches the spine and brings flexibility.
  • Good for constipation and digestive disorders.
  • It is useful for increasing the height of children by stretching the spine.
  • Tones the abdominal organs.

Balance posture

  • To do this, you and the child lie on your stomach.
  • Place palms under shoulders and lift upper body, pelvis and knees.
  • Grab the floor with your toes and keep your knees straight.
  • Make sure the knees, pelvis and spine are in a straight line.
  • The wrists should be just below the shoulders and the arms should be straight.
  • Stay for a while in the last posture.

Benefits

  • Strengthens thighs, arms and shoulders.
  • Strengthens the spine and abdominal muscles.
  • Forms the main muscles.
  • Improves the balance of the nervous system.
  • Stimulates the Manipura Chakra.
  • Energizes the whole body and creates a sense of positivity.
  • Develops a sense of inner balance and harmony.

You also do these yoga poses with children and stay healthy for a long time.

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Disclaimer

Your skin and body are different just like you. We endeavour to bring you accurate, safe and expertly verified information through our articles and social media handles but still consult your doctor before trying any home remedy, hack or fitness tip.