Sunshine, Smiles, and Savvy Summer Mindfulness!

As the school bells fade and the long, sunny days stretch ahead, it's easy for the structured routines of term time to give way to a whirlwind of excitement (and perhaps a little chaos!). For children and teens, summer is a time for adventure, exploration, and making memories. But it's also a wonderful opportunity to weave in moments of calm, connection, and mindful awareness.

Working with nurseries and schools across the UK, I see firsthand the incredible benefits that yoga and mindfulness bring to young people. These practices equip them with tools to navigate their emotions, focus their minds, and build resilience. And guess what? They're just as powerful – if not more so – during the freewheeling days of summer!

Mindful Moments in the Great Outdoors

 Summer invites us outside, and nature is arguably the best mindfulness teacher there is. Here are a few ways to blend outdoor fun with mindful practices:

• Nature's Symphony Walk: Instead of just a stroll, encourage children to become "sound detectives." What can they hear? The buzzing of a bee, the rustle of leaves, distant laughter, a bird's song? This simple exercise brings awareness to the present moment through sound.

• Cloud Gazing & Storytelling: Lie on a blanket and watch the clouds drift by. Ask children what shapes they see. Are they animals? Vehicles? This encourages imagination while subtly practicing stillness and observation.

• Barefoot Earth Connection: If safe to do so, let children walk barefoot on grass, sand, or smooth stones. Ask them to describe how it feels – cool, tickly, warm, rough. This sensory experience is a fantastic way to ground themselves.

• Bug Buddy Breathing: Find a small insect – a ladybird, an ant – and gently observe it. Notice its movements, its patterns. Then, take a few slow, deep breaths, imagining the calm, steady pace of the insect.

Cooling Down with Yoga Poses

 Yoga isn't just for the studio; it's perfect for a sunny garden or even a cozy corner indoors on a rainy day. These poses can help children find calm and stretch out those active summer muscles:

• Sun Salutation (Kid-Style): A simplified version of this classic sequence can be a wonderful way to greet the day. Imagine reaching up to the sun, bending down to touch the earth, and stretching like a cat.

• Tree Pose: Stand tall like a strong oak tree, one foot rooting firmly to the ground, the other resting on the inner thigh (or ankle). This pose builds balance and focus.

• Warrior Poses: Channel inner strength! These poses are empowering and help with focus and stability.

• Savasana (Relaxation Pose): After all that summer fun, a few minutes lying still, perhaps with a light blanket over them, can be incredibly restorative. Guide them to imagine they are melting into the ground, feeling relaxed and peaceful.

Creative & Playful Mindfulness

 Mindfulness doesn't have to be serious; it can be incredibly playful!

• Mindful Eating (Summer Snacks Edition): When enjoying a juicy strawberry or a crisp cucumber slice, encourage children to really notice it. What colour is it? How does it smell? What does it feel like in their mouth? How does it taste? This slows down the eating process and brings full attention to the experience.

• Glitter Jar Calm-Down: Fill a jar with water, glitter, and a drop of dish soap. When emotions run high, shake the jar and watch the glitter settle. This visual metaphor can help children understand that their own feelings can settle too.

• Kindness Rocks: Find smooth stones and decorate them with positive messages or drawings. Leave them in public places for others to find, spreading kindness and connection. This simple act cultivates compassion and generosity.

Summer is a time of boundless energy and freedom. By gently weaving in elements of yoga and mindfulness, we can help children and teens not only enjoy their break to the fullest but also cultivate valuable life skills that will serve them long after the last ice cream has melted. Here's to a summer filled with sunshine, smiles, and savvy mindfulness!

What kind of mindful activity would you like to try with your family this summer?