When is International Day of Yoga?
June 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga in the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014.
This declaration was made after our Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the UN General Assembly to adopt June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Narendra Modi – Prime Minister of India
By now, we ought to know that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an avid practitioner of yoga. In fact, during the run-up to Yoga day, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a new website which has been dedicated to the International Yoga Day. This website is operated by the Ministry of External Affairs, and promises to give all the details about the programmes to be conducted internationally on June 21 and later.
Now that we know all about Yoga day, let us look at some of the most commonly practiced yoga poses for kids and beginners.
5 Easy To-Do Yoga Poses for Kids
1. Tadasana or the Mountain Pose
To begin with, this is a really simple pose.
Benefit : This pose is known to improve a person’s body posture and help strengthen the leg muscles. This pose is also known to relax the mind completely.
- To perform this pose, first stand straight.
- Make sure that your legs are straight and knees are firmly locked.
- Your toes should be touching each other.
- Your hands should be downwards with your finders pointing down.
- Now close your eyes and inhale and exhale deeply while concentrating on your breathing.
- Stay in this pose for about half a minute.
2. Utkatasana or the Chair Pose
Let us now step-up and try something that’s a little more challenging.
Benefit : This pose is a little challenging but has many benefits like it helps in strengthening the legs, as well as, stretches the shoulders.
- For this pose, you have to start by standing perfectly straight.
- Now, slowly raise your hands upwards while stretching your body a little.
- Slowly, bend your knees like you were sitting in an imaginary chair.
- Keep your hand parallel to the ground.
- While in this pose, take deep breaths and relax.
- Slowly stand straight again straighten your legs while breathing in.
- Bring down your hands while exhaling.
3. Anjali Mudra or the Salutation Seal
Once the standing poses are over, let’s relax and sit down for the others.
Benefit : This pose will help us build strength and at the same time improve balance.
- Start this exercise by comfortably sitting on the floor.
- Now slowly cross your legs and sit with your back straight.
- Join both your palms like you do while praying.
- Stay in this position and breathe normally and deeply.
4. Balasana or the Flower Pose
Now, let’s move to a slightly more difficult pose performed while sitting down.
Benefit : The flower pose helps to open up the hips and strengthens the legs and the thigh muscles.
- Start this pose by sitting firmly on the floor and keeping your spinal cord straight.
- Now bend your legs. Ensure that both your knees are pointing in the opposite direction.
- Now put your hands under your legs and hold both your legs in your hands.
- Slowly lift your legs upwards.
- Hold this pose for a few seconds and lower your legs gently.
5. Ananda Balasana or the Happy Baby Pose :
Let’s end this session with a relaxing and fun pose performed while lying down.
Benefit : This pose helps in stretching the spine. Moreover, this asana calms the brain and helps relieve all the stress and fatigue..
- For this asana, start by lying down on your spine.
- Once comfortable, inhale.
- Now, exhale and bend your knees towards your belly.
- Slowly hold your feet with your palms.
- Stay in this position for 5 to 7 second.
- Gently lower down your legs and relax before you get up again.
To read more interesting festivals for kids, click HERE