5 Simple Relaxation Exercises For Kids
Below, we suggest some simple relaxation exercises for kids so you can teach your kids how to rest and recharge their batteries.
Although childhood is characterized as a phase in which our children are full of energy, it is necessary to help them stay active to avoid stress.
This can be useful in all kinds of learning as it allows them to learn to disconnect for a moment, relax and then get back into action with more enthusiasm, interest and retention.
Even though it may seem that young children’s lives are all about fun, we should be aware that, because they are in a constant learning process, they can often reach exhaustion, both mental and physical.
The simple relaxation exercises we suggest work for children of all ages. It doesn’t take much technique, but empathy, patience and perseverance.
5 simple relaxation exercises for kids
1. Breathing exercises
This type of exercise represents one of the most effective relaxation techniques for both adults and children. You should tell your child to lie down comfortably on the bed, close your eyes, and place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
Then ask him to play by imagining that he is an accordion and that he should breathe deeply and slowly through his nose and exhale gently through his mouth.
Ask to take at least five breaths, rest, then repeat. Stay with him as he does the exercise so that he too will feel welcomed by his company.
We recommend that you apply this technique every night before bed, after a nice hot shower. Surely your child will rest deeply all night long.
2.The plush hug
This exercise is designed to help young children relax their muscles. The activity consists of asking the child to take a deep breath and hug a stuffed animal (or a small pillow) very tightly.
Next, you should guide the child to ease the tension in his arms little by little while slowly exhaling through his mouth. The result of this technique is a complete muscular and mental relaxation.
3. Play with a mop or a ball
The third of these simple relaxation exercises for children can even serve as a kind of game. In this way, the child can put it into practice with younger siblings or friends.
It involves placing your child on a comfortable surface, asking them to close their eyes, and then running a feather duster over their arms and legs.
It is equally effective to slide a small, soft ball around its edges. After about 3 to 5 minutes, it will be time to change places. Try to conduct the activity to ensure that the exercise will be done correctly.
4. Superficial massage
The fourth simple relaxation exercise for children is simply giving your child a massage. You don’t have to be an expert. Just take the time to help your child relax.
A massage can translate into multiple palm strokes on your child’s back. You can also add some essential oil. The slower the action, the more relaxing it will be.
Back massage is just one of the alternatives. You can also try massaging the palm of your hands or the soles of your feet.
5. Visualization exercises
Visualization exercises are great before bedtime if your child is feeling scared, or has woken up from a nightmare.
You will guide the activity by asking her to close her eyes, and start stroking the child’s forehead. Then he will start describing pleasant places, situations and objects, which she will have to imagine . In this way, the child will keep his attention on pleasant things and little by little will forget about the nightmare.
In general, the simplest is to read or tell a short story, slowly, to distract the little ones. However, there are those who prefer to hold the child in their arms while singing a lullaby.
We hope these five simple relaxation exercises for kids are helpful for you to apply them whenever you need to.
If you think your child is overstressed in everyday life or has abnormal muscle stiffness, don’t hesitate to see a specialist right away.
