Calming Bedtime Exercise

These calming exercises should be done very slowly with slow meditative breathing, take long slow breaths through the nostrils and be conscious of the body's movement. Remind the children to concentrate on what they are doing, to think about their arm moving, or how their body feels as it stretches.

Touch your toes - Sitting with legs shoulder width apart, stretch forward trying to touch your toes, hold the position for several seconds.

Twisting T- Laying flat on your back put your arms out so that your body makes a "T" lift your right leg up and across your body to touch your left hand. Return your body to the "T" position. Repeat on the opposite side.

Remember to keep breathing.

Star- Laying on your back put your arms and legs straight up in the air, slowly lower them out to your sides so that when they are lowered completely you will look like a star.

Savasana - Lay on your back with your feet slightly spread apart. Rest your arms at your side with your palms facing up. Stay in this pose for several minutes while concentrating on your slow breathing.

These exercises will help children unwind and will likely put them to sleep so you may want to do this routine in bed. The slow breathing and stretching will help their bodies as well as their mind drift into a relaxed state.