3 Creative Ways to Get Your Kids Excited About Savasana (a.k.a. Relaxation Time!)

If you’ve ever tried to get your child to lie still in Savasana or even just calm down and be still for a moment, you know that it can feel like an impossible task. The concept of stillness doesn’t come naturally to most kids, especially those who are full of energy and always on the go. But what if we could make relaxation time something they actually look forward to?

Let’s be honest, helping kids find calm and teaching them how to relax their bodies is one of the most important things we can do for their mental health (as I shared in my previous post, Is This Pose the Most Important Yoga Pose for Kid’s Mental Health?). But just because it’s important doesn’t mean it has to be boring! We can make this practice fun, engaging, and something that helps them feel safe, cosy, and deeply relaxed.

Here are three creative ways to get your kids excited about Savasana—so they can experience the calm and stillness that comes with it:

1. Spaghetti Legs

This is a playful and effective way to help your child physically feel the difference between tension and relaxation. The idea is simple: think of your child’s legs like uncooked spaghetti when they’re tense—stiff, straight, and hard to move. But after some gentle swaying and softening, they turn into soft, relaxed cooked spaghetti noodles.

Here’s how to do it:

• Have your child lie down on their back in a comfortable position. Ask them if they would like to do this practice first – consent is always practiced when touch is involved.
• If they are happy for you to, gently take hold of their ankles and start swaying their legs side to side.
• Start with slow, deliberate movements and describe the shift from “uncooked spaghetti” to “cooked, soft spaghetti” as their muscles begin to relax. Please be mindful of your own back here! Bend your knee rather than rounding forward to do this.
• You can even ask them to tense up their legs and then let go to really feel the difference between tight and relaxed muscles.

This playful analogy makes relaxation more approachable and engaging for kids. They’ll love the idea of their legs turning into wiggly spaghetti noodles, and it’s a simple way to release any built-up tension.

2. Get Cosy with Props

Kids love cosy spaces, and we can use that to make Savasana feel like a treat. The more comfortable and supported they feel, the easier it is for them to relax. This is where props come in—pillows, bolsters, blankets, and even favourite toys can transform the space into a soothing sanctuary.

Here are a few ideas:

• Set up a cosy spot with soft blankets, cushions, and pillows. Let your child build their own “Relaxation Station.”
• Try using an eye pillow to place gently over their eyes to help them settle into stillness (You can even make your own using a sock, some rice and some lavender!)
• Let them hold their favourite stuffed animal or place a crystal on their forehead—something calming and special just for them. This can help them connect to the practice in a way that feels safe and soothing.
• Use gentle lighting like pretend candles or fairy lights.

Creating this cosey space makes Savasana feel like a safe and nurturing time, which can be especially helpful for kids who struggle with anxiety or have a hard time calming down.

3. Guided Relaxation or Storytelling

Kids love stories, and incorporating a guided relaxation or storytelling element into Savasana can make all the difference. By engaging their imagination, you can gently guide them into a place of deep relaxation without it feeling forced.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Use a simple guided relaxation script that takes them on a calming journey—imagine floating on a cloud, walking through a peaceful forest, or visiting a quiet beach.
• Tell them a soothing story where they can picture themselves in a peaceful setting, letting their body relax as they listen.
• You can even get creative and make up your own stories that are specific to your child’s interests. The key is to keep the tone calm and relaxing, helping them focus on their breath and their body.

This technique is especially powerful because it gives kids something to focus on other than trying to “be still.” They’re naturally drawn into the story, and before they know it, their body has relaxed and they’re experiencing that stillness we’re aiming for.

Savasana Can Be Fun (and Beneficial!)

The beauty of Savasana for kids is that it doesn’t have to look like the quiet, still Savasana we’re used to in our own yoga practice. For kids, this time can include some playfulness, creativity, and lots of props—because the goal is to help them feel calm, safe, and supported.

The playful “spaghetti legs,” the cosy relaxation station, and a guided story are all ways to meet them where they are. And when we do that, the benefits of yoga become real for them.

They don’t need to perfect a pose or be quiet for 30 minutes. It’s about creating moments of stillness—moments where they can feel their bodies relax, let go of tension, and tune into the present moment. These are the moments that will help them manage stress, anxiety, and those big emotions they experience in daily life.

Ready to Bring More Calm Into Your Child’s Life?

If you’re ready to dive deeper into helping your child find calm through yoga, I’d love to invite you to my Savasana for Kids Masterclass.

In this masterclass, I’ll be sharing more techniques and tools to help your child access stillness, calm their body, and relax their mind—because mental health matters, and yoga is one of the most powerful tools we can offer them.

I’ll be sharing how to make Savasana (and other calming practices) a regular part of your child’s life—even if they’re not naturally calm kids. It’s all about meeting them where they are and guiding them gently toward stillness.

Are you ready to create more calm in your child’s life? I’d love to see you in the masterclass! 💫

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Join the Savasana for Kids Masterclass
Let’s help kids find the calm they deserve. ✨

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By making relaxation fun, engaging, and approachable, we can show our kids that it’s okay to slow down and take a moment to breathe.