Sloth Snooze

Calming, Emotional Regulation, Flexibility, Lower Limb, Yoga

Calming
Stretches hamstrings
Gives some compressive proprioceptive input to the joints of the leg and back, which can be calming and regulating
Encourages slow deep breathing which is important for relaxation

Uses

Use this stretch at home as a transition activity to help calm and regulate children (e.g. prior to bed)
Use this exercise in the classroom as a calming activity

Instructions

Lie on your back, with bent knees and tummy squeezed
Lift one leg to point up into the air, then lift the other
Straighten your knees and push your heels up as high as you can
Close your eyes. Relax and hold for at least 10 deep breaths.

child_sloth_snooze

Watch Points

Legs straight
Neck and upper body relaxed

Do the Sloth Snooze with…

Just one leg at a time stretching up into the air
Your legs up against a wall

Seated:

Sit on a chair and curl your body forward into a “C” shape. Move one foot forwards, straighten that leg and flex your toes back towards you. Hold for 5 deep breaths, then change legs.