Embedded Files
Breathing Tool
Concept: In order to have healthy relationships, we must be able to be aware of our own body. The purpose of intentional breathing, done for the count of five seconds helps us become self-aware and reflective. In this calm, slowed-down state, we can listen to our bodies and minds, and observe.
Tagline: I calm myself and check-in.
Hand Gesture: Much like the action of pulling and pushing a measuring tape in and out of its housing can be another good way to think about slow, deliberate breathing.
*Have students touch their thumbs and their index fingers together on each hand, like an “OK” sign, then they count to five, and push them slowly back together as they count to five again. This slow push-and-pull can help students slow down and be intentional when they use the Breathing Tool.
Have Students ask themselves:
● How are we feeling?
● What are we feeling?
● How do we then act/feel toward ourselves?
● How might we feel or react toward others?
Examples of people they have seen taking deep breaths:
❏ Singers, before they start a song
❏ Baseball pitcher, before they throw
❏ Gymnasts, before the beginning of a routine
❏ The teacher, before he/she tries to answer a hard question
Opportunities students have for taking deep breaths:
❏ While standing in line waiting
❏ When you’re feeling angry
❏ before a test
❏ before going to sleep at night
❏ when you're nervous or feel afraid
❏ When it’s hard to tie your shoe
How did it help them? Examples:
Helped them calm down
Gave them a few moments to think before going into something scary
Gave them time to think of a better way to react
Helped them realize it wasn’t a very big deal after all
Best used to trasition calming from fun time to relaxation time.
Slow deep breaths support with stress, regulate the nervous system, and calm the mind during moments of panic.
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