A simple family yoga flow for busy weeks
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The last week of term always seems to arrive in a whirlwind.
One minute it's sports day, the next it's summer fairs, class parties, performances, teacher gifts and somehow trying to remember which day your child needs a picnic, a sun hat and non-uniform... all before the summer holidays have even begun!
If you're anything like us here in Folkestone, you've probably noticed the sunshine brings a different kind of energy. Everyone is excited for summer, calendars are overflowing and life feels like it's moving at full speed. It's wonderful... but it's also exhausting! So before the chaos completely takes over, here's a simple family yoga flow to help everyone pause, stretch, breathe and reconnect.
You don't need any equipment, special clothing or lots of time. Just 10–15 minutes together is enough.
Before you begin...
Start by asking one simple question: "How are you feeling today?" There isn't a right or wrong answer.
Happy. Excited. Tired. Worried. Wiggly. Calm. Silly.
Whatever the answer is... that's okay. That's where we begin...
Now let's to some yoga...
1. Reach for the sunshine 🌞
Stand tall with your feet planted firmly on the ground.
Take a big breath in and sweep your arms high overhead, reaching up towards the sun.
As you breathe out, let your arms float gently back down.
Repeat five times, moving slowly with your breath.
2. Wake up your shoulders 🎒
School bags, desks and screens can leave little shoulders (and grown-up ones!) feeling tight.
Roll your shoulders forwards five times...
...and then backwards five times.
Give them a little shake, let them be floppy
3. Cat & Cow 🐱🐄
Come onto hands and knees.
As you breathe in, lift your chest and look forwards like a happy cow.
As you breathe out, round your back like a stretching cat.
Move slowly with your breath for around a minute.
This is a lovely way to ease tired backs after long days sitting at desks or carrying heavy bags.
4. Downward Dog 🐶
Lift your hips high to make an upside-down V shape.
Pedal your feet.
Wag your tail.
Stretch as long or as short as feels good.
Dogs never rush... neither do we.
5. Flamingo Balance 🦩
Stand on one leg.
Can you wobble?
Can you smile while you wobble?
Swap sides and remember...
Wobbling is part of balancing.
6. Star Pose ⭐
Stretch your arms and legs out wide.
Make yourself as big as you can.
Shine bright.
Take three big breaths, breathing out with an audible sigh each time, th elouder the better!
7. Floppy Spaghetti 🍝
Now it's time to completely relax.
Stand tall...
...then slowly melt forwards.
Let your arms dangle.
Let your head hang.
Wiggle everything.
Imagine you've turned into the floppiest piece of spaghetti ever!
Take a few slow breaths here.
8. Sea Breath 🌊
One of our favourite breathing exercises from The Curious Club.
As you breathe in, slowly lift one hand up like a wave rising from the sea.
As you breathe out, lower it back down with a gentle "whooooosh."
Repeat five times.
Simple.
Calming.
Perfect for busy or distracted minds.
9. Rest 🧡
Lie down comfortably. On top of one-another if comfortable!
Close your eyes if you'd like.
Imagine you're floating on a warm summer cloud or lying on the beach listening to the waves.
Stay here for a minute or two.
Then ask each other one more time...
"How do you feel now?"
There are no right answers.
Just notice.
Happy summer!
Thank you for being part of the cheekymono community this term. Whether you've joined a Curious Club adventure, rolled out a yoga mat with me, come along to an event or simply followed along online, I'm so grateful you're here.
I'll be taking a few weeks away over the summer for a proper screen break and some family time.
When I'm back, I'd love to see you at The Curious Club, where we'll be exploring, moving and creating together outdoors.
And there's something else to look forward to... Children's Yoga is coming to Sandgate this September! 🧘 I'm busy putting the finishing touches to the plans but if you'd like to be the first to hear when classes launch, receive priority booking and enjoy an exclusive launch offer, make sure you sign up to the cheekymono newsletter.
Until then... Wishing you a summer filled with sunshine, adventures, rest, ice creams, laughter and plenty of moments to simply breathe.
Happy holidays! With love,
Sara
@cheekymono
xxx
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