Introduction

Yoga has been practised for thousands of years to support physical and mental wellbeing — and it’s not just for adults. Children under five can benefit from yoga in ways that shape their bodies, minds, and emotions for years to come.

Good physical and mental health is a top priority for all the children we care for at The Mulberry Bush. Setting healthy habits early on helps embed these practices for life — and we believe nursery is the perfect place to start. That’s why we include yoga as part of our Early Years Curriculum for all children.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more with parents about how yoga looks in our settings, along with tips to help you try it at home!

1. Builds Strong Bodies in Gentle Ways

Yoga for under 5s isn’t about perfect poses — it’s about movement, balance and play. Through simple poses like downward dog, cat-cow and tree pose, young children develop:

→ Gross motor skills
→ Muscle strength
→ Coordination and flexibility

These movements support natural physical development in a safe and low-impact way.

2. Improves Focus and Self-Regulation

Even the wiggliest little one can benefit from moments of mindfulness. Yoga teaches children how to:

→ Pause and breathe
→ Notice their feelings
→ Develop patience

With simple breathing exercises like “smell the flower, blow out the candle,” children learn how to calm themselves — an essential life skill that supports self-regulation and emotional growth.

3. Encourages Emotional Expression and Resilience

Pretend play and storytelling are woven into our yoga sessions. One moment they’re a brave lion, the next a quiet turtle in its shell. These imaginative movements help children:

→ Express big emotions through physical play
→ Build emotional vocabulary
→ Develop empathy and confidence

Yoga offers a safe space to feel — all while having fun.

4. Enhances Sleep and Reduces Anxiety

Bedtime yoga routines can work wonders for young children. Gentle stretches combined with deep breathing can:

→ Help regulate the nervous system
→ Lower anxiety levels
→ Prepare the body and mind for restful sleep

Many parents find that just 5–10 minutes of yoga before bed can lead to smoother transitions and deeper sleep.

5. Fosters Social Skills and Connection

Whether practised at nursery or with a parent, yoga can be a beautiful bonding experience. Group activities help build:

→ Cooperation
→ Turn-taking
→ Awareness of others

And of course, shared giggles during yoga practice go a long way in creating joyful memories.

Tips For Introducing Yoga to Your Little One

→ Keep it short — 5–15 minutes is plenty
→ Use playful language: “Let’s stretch like a giraffe!”
→ Don’t worry about “right” or “wrong” form
→ Make it part of a routine — morning stretch or bedtime wind-down
→ Try yoga storybooks or child-friendly videos to keep things engaging.

Conclusion

Yoga for children under five isn’t about discipline or mastery — it’s about exploration, imagination, and joy. It lays a gentle foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits, body awareness, and emotional resilience.

So grab a mat, clear a little space, and watch your tiny yogi bloom.

Find out more about how we support children across our nurseries at our Resources Hub.