Good Morning Yoga & Good Night Yoga
Did you rush out the door this morning? Do you struggle to have a calm and peaceful bedtime routine? Do you have a hard time falling asleep as your mind races with everything on your “to do” list for tomorrow?
If your mornings and evenings are filled with hustle and bustle, we have the answer for you! Get ready for the day with a few yoga poses with your child.
Praise for Good Morning Yoga: A Pose by Pose Wake Up Story by Mariam Gates, Illustrations by Sarah Jane Hinder
Settle down for the night with a few yoga postures to calm your mind and body.
Praise for Good Night Yoga: A Pose by Pose Bedtime Story by Mariam Gates,
Illustrations by Sarah Jane Hinder
These two books help kids have calm and focused days and peaceful nights (ok, it works on the parents too). It takes about three minutes to read through the book and illustrates the poses in an engaging, easy and fun way.
There’s been a tremendous amount of research and attention given to the importance of social-emotional development, character development and executive function. Let’s unpack how yoga and mindfulness can help young children and elementary school-aged children develop these skills that will help them in school, relationships and the work place down the road.
What are executive function and self-regulation skills? These skills help us to plan, focus our attention, recall facts, follow directions, take turns, persevere and juggle tasks. The brain has to filter distractions, prioritize tasks and control impulses. It is during the early childhood years that these cognitive and emotion-regulating skills are learned.
According to the Center on the Developing Child@ Harvard, when children have opportunities to develop executive function and self-regulation skills, individuals and society reap lifelong benefits.
When children and adults practice yoga and mindfulness, numerous studies show improved attention, cognitive outcomes, social-emo
tional skills and greater compassion for others. It teaches all of us how to self-regulate and calm our bodies.
Go get your yoga mat or a towel and read these books with your child by author Mariam Gates (She even reads them aloud on You Tube). Start a new routine with a few yoga poses and postures. Couldn’t we all use a little more peace, relaxation and quiet in our days?
Lisa Howard, President & CEO
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