By Siyona Varghese
In the bustling world of childhood, finding moments of peace and tranquility can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, incorporating mindful movement and physical activity into your 7-year-old’s routine can significantly contribute to their emotional wellbeing and overall happiness. From promoting relaxation to enhancing mood and reducing stress, engaging in mindful movement activities offers a host of benefits for young minds and bodies. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of physical activity for emotional wellbeing in 7-year-olds and provide practical ways to incorporate mindful movement into their daily lives.
Understanding the Link Between Physical Activity and Emotional Wellbeing
Physical activity has long been recognized for its positive impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing, even in children as young as 7 years old. Here are some ways in which physical activity can benefit your child’s emotional health:
Stress Reduction:
Physical activity, such as running, jumping, or playing sports, helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters.
Emotional Regulation:
Engaging in physical activity provides children with an outlet for pent-up energy and emotions, helping them regulate their emotions and behavior more effectively.
Improved Mood:
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in children, leading to a greater sense of happiness and wellbeing.
Enhanced Self-Esteem:
Mastering new physical skills and achieving personal fitness goals can boost children’s self-esteem and confidence, fostering a positive self-image.
Social Connection:
Many physical activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, provide opportunities for social interaction and friendship building, which are essential for emotional wellbeing.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Mindful Movement
Outdoor Play:
Encourage your child to spend time playing outdoors, whether it’s running around in the backyard, riding bikes in the neighborhood, or exploring a nearby park. Outdoor play not only provides physical exercise but also exposes children to nature, which has been shown to have calming and mood-boosting effects.
Yoga for Kids:
Introduce your child to the practice of yoga, which combines gentle movement, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques. There are many kid-friendly yoga videos and resources available online that cater to children’s interests and attention spans.
Dance Parties:
Host impromptu dance parties at home, where your child can let loose and move to their favorite music. Dancing is not only a fun form of exercise but also a great way to express creativity and emotion through movement.
Mindful Walking:
Take leisurely walks with your child, encouraging them to pay attention to their surroundings and engage their senses. Encourage them to notice the sights, sounds, and smells around them, fostering a sense of presence and mindfulness.
Martial Arts:
Enroll your child in a martial arts class, such as karate, taekwondo, or judo, which not only provides physical exercise but also teaches discipline, focus, and self-control.
Gardening:
Get your child involved in gardening activities, such as planting flowers, watering plants, or digging in the soil. Gardening not only provides physical activity but also connects children with nature and instills a sense of responsibility and care for living things.
Active Games:
Play active games with your child that encourage movement and coordination, such as tag, hide-and-seek, or Simon Says. These games not only provide exercise but also promote social interaction and teamwork.
Incorporating Mindfulness into Physical Activity
In addition to engaging in physical activity, incorporating mindfulness techniques can enhance the emotional benefits of movement for your 7-year-old:
Breathing Exercises:
Teach your child simple breathing exercises, such as belly breathing or flower breathing, to help them stay calm and focused during physical activity.
Body Scan:
Encourage your child to do a quick body scan before and after physical activity, noticing any tension or discomfort in their body and allowing it to release as they move.
Mindful Movement:
Guide your child in practicing mindful movement by encouraging them to pay attention to the sensations of their body as they move, such as the feeling of their feet on the ground or the rhythm of their breath.
Gratitude Practice:
Take a moment before or after physical activity to express gratitude for the opportunity to move and be active. Encourage your child to appreciate their body’s strength and abilities.
Conclusion
Incorporating mindful movement and physical activity into your 7-year-old’s routine can have a profound impact on their emotional wellbeing and overall happiness. By providing opportunities for outdoor play, introducing them to yoga and dance, enrolling them in martial arts or active games, and incorporating mindfulness techniques, you empower your child to develop a lifelong love of movement and mindfulness. By prioritizing their physical and emotional health, you set them on the path to a happy, balanced, and fulfilling life.
