Why Afternoon Yoga and Movement Classes Can Be Better for Children...

At Rainbow Flow, we believe that timing matters when it comes to children’s wellbeing, focus, and enjoyment of movement and mindfulness activities. While mornings are often considered the “best time” for learning, research suggests that afternoon sessions can offer unique benefits, especially for yoga, mindful movement, and other calming, reflective activities.

Here’s why afternoons can be the ideal time for children’s movement and mindfulness classes.

1. Children’s brains and bodies may be more ready later in the day

Young children spend the morning adjusting to the day: saying goodbye to caregivers, settling into nursery or school routines, and transitioning from sleep to wakefulness. By the afternoon, their nervous systems are often more regulated, and cortisol (the stress hormone) naturally decreases

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Research on preschoolers shows that evening-type children perform better on working memory tasks in the late afternoon than in the morning, suggesting that some children are more cognitively alert later in the day.*

For yoga and mindfulness, which involve listening, body awareness, and focus, this means children may get more out of afternoon sessions, particularly those who are less alert first thing in the morning.

2. Afternoon movement can help regulate energy and mood

Many children experience a natural “afternoon dip” in energy and attention. Research from UK primary schools shows that children benefit physically and psychologically from afternoon play or movement breaks, which can improve fitness without affecting learning.*

Afternoon yoga or mindful movement sessions can:

• Stabilise energy levels

• Improve mood

• Support emotional regulation

• Reduce afternoon restlessness

This can make the end of the day smoother for both children and parents.

3. Timing can match children’s natural rhythms

Children have individual chronotypes, or natural preferences for alertness at certain times of day. UK educational neuroscience research notes that children who are naturally more “evening-type” often show better achievement and motivation in the afternoon.*

By offering afternoon classes, you accommodate children whose brains may not be fully “switched on” in the morning. This inclusive approach ensures all children can engage fully and benefit from mindful movement activities.

4. Afternoon classes support calm transitions

After a busy morning, children often need time to process their experiences, regulate emotions, and decompress. Mindful movement, gentle stretching, and yoga provide a structured way to do this, helping children leave nursery or school feeling calm, focused, and grounded.

This can also improve behaviour and readiness for home routines, such as homework, dinner, and bedtime.

5. UK children are still active in the afternoon

Research tracking UK children’s activity levels shows that physical activity remains high throughout the afternoon and early evening.* This means afternoon movement sessions are aligned with natural activity patterns, making children more receptive and engaged.

SUMMARY... Why Choose Afternoon Yoga and Movement Classes?

• Better focus for some children – aligns with their natural cognitive rhythms

• Regulates energy and mood – prevents afternoon restlessness

• Supports calm transitions – helps children leave nursery or school grounded

• Inclusive – accommodates different chronotypes, not just “morning children”

• Aligned with natural activity patterns – children are already physically active

What do you think? Let us know!

References

1. PMC 10545990 – Effects of time of day on working memory in preschool children: Link

2. Phys.org (2019) – Children in the afternoon school fitter in environment study: Link

3. Educational Neuroscience, UK – Chronotype and learning in children: Link

4. PMC 7613624 – Activity levels of British children throughout the day: Link

5. Open Research Online (Wales Nursery Study) – Morning vs afternoon nursery session outcomes: Link