02/04/2020
Staying at home for several weeks can lead to some inconveniences: restlessness and lack of concentration in children; irritations and annoyance with parents… The effects of confinement are sometimes deeply felt and disrupt an already turbulent daily life. However, there is need of getting upset! In order to promote calm and relaxation in your home, why not try-out yoga as a family? Carrying out this activity, gives us the opportunity to learn how to channel the overflowing energies and to do yourself good at the same time, while sharing a great moment of closeness.
We sometimes hear that yoga is an activity that is demanding, tedious or difficult to access for beginners. Make no mistakes, it is accessible to all, you only need to adapt it to each person’s abilities and to practice it regularly. The benefits of this activity no longer need to be proven; the benefits are felt as much on parents as on children. Indeed, practicing yoga allows you to take advantage of its many benefits, which include having greater flexibility, calmness and concentration. It is a valuable aid against stress, which also promotes well-being and sleep. It helps toddlers to discover their bodies, better assimilate knowledge and develop self-confidence. Not forgetting that it is easy to indulge in yoga at home because it only requires a little space and time.
In addition, it is a full activity which involves all parts of the body, and it muscles up as much as it relaxes. It is difficult to get tired of such a sport, since the existing postures are numerous and varied.
At what age can one practice ?
Yoga is not meant for adults alone; it is a gentle activity that has the advantage of not requiring any pre-requisites. It must remain a moment of pleasure and fun, which can be practiced as early as from 3 years old. The sessions must obviously be adapted to their young age, be fun and dynamic with funny postures bearing the names of animals, objects or plants. From the age of 7, the practice can become more structured with more precise breathing exercises, positions and vocabulary.
Is it more difficult for children ?
No, because they have natural flexibility, they will spontaneously adapt the yoga exercises to their way of moving and their abilities.
What should one put on for this?
It is better to opt for a comfortable but tight-fitting outfit, so that you can be comfortable during the execution of the movements… and to prevent them from getting in the way of your exercise!
What equipment do we need ?
To perform your postures and breathing exercises, you need to have two essential elements: a sports mat and a bottle of water. Otherwise, a thick blanket, a carpet or grass will suffice, provided it is comfortable. You can also accompany your sessions with relaxing and soft music to improve everyone’s concentration.
What time of day is ideal ?
At any time of the day, according to your desires and the benefits you seek. In the morning, children will be able to wake up gently and get off on the right foot before starting their homework with concentration. At noon, after lunch to ease digestion, or in the evening, to help them easily fall asleep and get restful sleep.
How long does a session last ?
Your toddlers’ ability to concentrate will likely be somewhat short during a yoga session. For their first time, therefore, opt for sessions of 10 to 15 minutes to maintain the focus of the little ones. With time and regularity, these sessions can last up to 45 minutes.
Which support should one choose for practicing yoga ?
If you like books, there are numerous books on family yoga: Easy yoga for children and Zen, a child’s play are books that comprehensively cover this subject, with beautiful explanatory illustrations.
If you are more of a digital adept, the web is full of different formats to help you practice yoga with your family. You will find a variety of sessions at different durations, depending on the time you wish to devote to it.
You must, however, keep in mind that these supports will not really replace a real Yoga teacher.
Before starting, choose a room that is a little spacious and with as few distractions as possible.
1. Breathing
The first step is to start with a calm period where you will take a few deep breaths together to begin to focus and be more relaxed. While seated or lying on your back, take long breaths through your nose and then long breaths out through your mouth. Followed by a little warm-up to prepare your body and that of your toddlers.
2. The postures
This is the session’s most important phase, wherein the children must be aided towards performing the shapes. To start, opt for simple positions with funny names like those of animals (cobra, frog, cat, etc.), objects (bridge, compass, alarm clock, etc.), or plants (pebble, sun, palm tree, etc.). First make the shape in front of them by naming it, then do it together while describing to them what you are doing, in order to help them do the same.
3. Final relaxation
End the yoga session with a few soothing stretches and deep breaths for a few minutes to enjoy the benefits of the session. Do not forget to congratulate them on this first session.
Many hotels offer yoga to their guests, but what about families who want to try it out or practise it all together? Fortunately, Little Guest has thought of everything and has put together a list of the best hotels where yoga is available, for an invigorating and soothing experience!
Six Senses Zighy Bay *****
Nestled in the arid, rocky plains of Dibba, Oman, this resplendent hotel stands completely apart from its surroundings, offering a soothing, timeless atmosphere.
Enjoy special moments with your children and discover or rediscover the practice of yoga, breathe in, breathe out and admire the panorama that awaits you at Six Senses Zighy Bay, the perfect hotel for families in search of little-known or even ignored regions, despite their great beauty.
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois *****
A change of scenery: this time we’re taking you to the mountains for a moment of escape, in summer and winter alike! The Chalets du Mont d’Arbois offer family yoga sessions, sumptuous panoramic views from the terrace and, for something a little more imaginative, snowga, yoga on snow.
It’s an unusual place, to be sure, but one that adds charm to the experience and is sure to put stars in the eyes of your pampered children! Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois and its teams do their utmost to provide the best possible welcome for our youngest guests, with a whole host of fun activities, including yoga and snowga.
Discover all our hotels offering yoga and activities for children, for a family holiday with a smile.
This special period is a unique opportunity to allow you to fully enjoy your children and create beautiful memories with them. Adding yoga to this new daily routine is a plus that will bring both physical and mental benefits in the long term. Stretching, learning fun positions, cooling off with breaths, young and old will be delighted to do sports with Mom and Dad.
If not, don’t hesitate any longer, push aside the furniture and let’s go !
Mathilde, 21 ans, travel & writing lover, from Montpellier
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