I recently became a certified kids yoga teacher. One of the first questions that was put to each of us as we went around the circle was, “How do you play?” I couldn’t think of anything I do as play. Everything is work even though I enjoy work. I thought back to childhood and even then I seemed to make work for myself, perhaps a symptom of being an only child.

When I got home I immediately ordered from my library book list The Kidult Handbook from Blanket Forts to Capture the Flag, a Grownup’s Guide to Playing Like a Kid.

Play is good for your spirit, body and mind. It’s good for your relationships, work and social life. Children naturally play but soon it’s “don’t play with your food”, “don’t play in your good clothes”, “don’t play in the rain”.

Play clears the mind, it’s good for your health, it allows you to connect to others, it allows you to lighten up, it brings balance to your life, you discover things about yourself, it can often take you outside, it encourages curiousity and discovery, it exercises your creative thinking and problem solving skills and best of all, play is enjoyable!

There are four parts to a kids yoga class; breathe, games, poses and relaxation.

Breathing exercises (disguised in a playful way) calm and nourish the central nervous system, increases energy and focus, improves blood circulation, reduces symptoms of stress and relieves pain.

Games are at the heart of a kid’s yoga class. It may not look like a traditional yoga class where adults are confined to their sticky mats but rather engaging the children in creative play and thinking to stimulate the secretion of dopamine and DHEA. These positive chemical messengers build brain cells and improve mood. Games also build cooperative skills working with a partner or in a group. Also, games simply get kids moving their bodies. Many children (and adults) are movement malnourished.

The yoga poses look much like adult poses with some fun new twists and names. The poses help develop flexibility, strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness, play and confidence. Physical health is also promoted and a positive attitude towards exercise and their bodies. Children’s creative imagination and self expression are also encouraged through the poses.

Relaxation promotes inner listening and reflection. It slows the brain waves, allowing the nervous system to recharge and the brain to process and integrate information.

Don’t be surprised to hear all kinds of music and songs in a children’s class and many fun props are often used. A theme may even be carried throughout the whole class. Crafts and colouring can be used, which are great mindfulness activities.

Don’t just let the kids have all the fun, get out there and find your play!