Children are spending more time in front of screens as technology continues to play an increasing part in our everyday lives. Every youngster nowadays has grown up with a plethora of technology at their disposal. They find it impossible to envisage a future without tablets, cell phones, and the internet. According to studies, every youngster is exposed to screen time for an average of 2 hours every day. While it is impossible to totally eliminate screen time from their lives, certain efforts may be done to reduce the amount of time they are exposed to blue light.
Sabrina Merchant, Certified Kids Yoga Expert, Mindfulness Coach, Founder of Li’l Yogis, and Author of “Ocean Yoga,” recommended several yoga asanas to assist your child’s brain and body flourish.
Palming your eyes
Heat up your palms by rubbing them together. Gently place them on closed eyes, so that the cup of the palm covers the eyelids. There should be no tension. Depending on your preference, you can keep your eyes open or closed.
Forward fold while seated
Sitting on a chair, do a forward bend over your legs. Allow the hands to rest on the floor, and allow the head to hang heavily. Raise the arms back over the head on an inhale.
Standing stretch upward
Stand tall with your hands on your sides and your feet slightly apart and parallel to each other. Raise both arms for a complete upward stretch while focusing on a spot straight ahead. Raise both heels at the same time to achieve maximal stretch to the body. After 6-10 seconds, return to the beginning position by lowering your heels and bringing your palm down.
Seated cat-cow
Sit in a chair with your spine long and your feet on the floor. Place your hands on the tops of your thighs or on your knees. Arc your spine and roll your shoulders down and back on an inhale, bringing your shoulder blades onto your back. While exhaling, wrap your arms around your spine and lower your chin to your chest, allowing your shoulder and head to move forward.
Samada Mudra
In this Yogic hand motion, all four fingers and the thumb are brought together to contact. Hold the mudra and apply it on your eyelids for 5-7 minutes while sitting with your eyes closed. This will provide immediate comfort since healing energy will be focused towards it.