Gentle Yoga Poses for Busy Parents
Pictures
- Two photos of parents doing yoga (not in a class, just at their home. Poses are seated, easy, relaxing)
Seo keywords: self-care for parents & happy parenting
**I considered this word count @ around 500 since a bulk of text in second section is just about how to do a specific pose* *
Gentle Yoga Poses for Busy Parents
Hey Mom, Dad—You Deserve Time for Some Self-Care
Adding Yoga Poses to Your Day—Something Every Parent Needs
From the moment you become a parent, your life changes. One day, you’re taking care of an infant—feeding them, cuddling them, patting their back softly in the middle of the night with your eyes barely open. Then you blink those eyes, and suddenly, you’re driving a teenager around from place to place.
All this to say, as a parent at any stage of the game, it’s likely your focus is on your kids for a major portion of your day. And all the other things you are getting to do are a mile long —folding laundry, picking up a bag of dog food, making that dentist appointment, cooking dinner. So, squeezing in some time for yourself can seem impossible. And so many times I find parents put their happiness and well-being on the back burner. But self-care for parents is so important.
So, I’m here to share with you that one of the secrets to happiness as a parent is prioritizing your own needs beyond a rushed shower or eating the scraps off your kid’s unfinished dinner plate.
If you’re wondering where to even start, fitting in a few gentle yoga poses into your days is such a great place to begin. Why? Because finding even 5 minutes a day to fit in self-care and do some stretching and deep breathing can lower your stress, help you feel calmer, and support your body.
Self-Care for Parents: Three Yoga Poses to Claim Your Calm in Just 5 Minutes
For me, self-care for parents is non-negotiable. Happy parenting doesn’t mean that only your kids are happy. It means you’re happy, too. And one way to make that happen? Focus on your needs and give yourself some love.
I’ve got three poses I’m going to share with you today that are ones I come back to all the time and really love to add to my own morning routine. And when I start a morning this way, then I know I’m always giving myself some love, no matter what the day brings.
Like I said, being a parent often means we’re feeling tired and busy, even on our best days. After all, it’s important and hard work showing up for your family! Incorporating yoga into your routine, even for just a few minutes or a few times a week, can transform your mental and physical health, allowing you to show up for your family feeling refreshed and centered. Some benefits of incorporating even a few poses into your days include:
- Managing stress
- Helping with strength, balance, and flexibility
- Increasing relaxation
- Better sleep
The simple poses I’m sharing with you today are made to help you feel calm and refreshed, both in body and mind. By adding these stretches into your day-to-day life, you’ll likely find yourself more relaxed and overall happier.
Three Yoga Poses To Try Today
- Sukhasana with Forward Bend (Legs Crossed, Reach Forward)
Sit comfortably on the floor with your legs crossed. Keeping your spine straight, slowly lean forward from your hips, extending your arms straight ahead. Reach forward, aiming to keep your back flat. This pose helps to relax and stretch the muscles in your back and hips.
- Janu Sirsasana (One Leg Tucked, Other Extended)
Sit on the floor with one leg extended straight out and the other bent so the foot rests against the inner thigh of the extended leg. Turn your torso toward the extended leg and gently fold over it, reaching toward your toes with your hands. Keep your back as straight as possible. Then, switch legs and repeat for the other side.
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
Sit on the floor and crisscross your legs. Place your hands on your knees, palms up to open your body to energy, or palms down to feel more grounded. This pose is beneficial for meditation, improving flexibility in your hips, and strengthening your back and abdomen.
Adding these gentle yoga poses can loosen up tight spots in your body, help you become more flexible, and let your mind take a breather.
Your happiness as a parent is so important. If you’re a busy parent caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, you’ve still got to prioritize time for you. Find a few minutes each day to check in with yourself and lean into what you need; it will make such a difference in your mental health and help you feel better overall. Claim your moments of love and happiness for yourself—you deserve it.
Self-care for parents is so important. And if you’re looking for more tips on happy parenting, I’ve got you! Keep coming back to the blog or find me on Instagram for day-to-day insights on this parenting journey.