Deep breathing exercises
Take note of how your body feels right now. Notice any sensations that are there.
Trace this box with your finger and follow the directions to inhale, hold, exhale and hold. Do this 5 - 8 times. You can draw your own box. Be sure to go slowly.
Notice what is different in your body now. What has shifted?
This is a great exercise to practice daily. When we practice it regularly, we are able to use it when we are feeling overwhelmed to help calm us down and help us feel present and grounded.
Figure 8 breathing is a breathing exercise similar to box breathing. Trace your finger along the figure eight (very slowly). Repeat 8-10 times. Which exercise do you prefer? E-mail me and let me know! CBalan@hrce.ca
A few benefits of deep breathing:
Decreases stress
Helps us to relax by activating the parasympathetic nervous system
Lowers our heart rate
Promotes core muscle stability
What other benefits do you notice? Try these exercises daily for a week and let me know. You can reach me at CBalan@hrce.ca
The Anxiety Canada website has a lot of fun activities to try. To learn more about deep breathing and stress reduction, click here.
Balloon breathing
Watch this video and see how you naturally follow the lead of the balloon, inflating (inhaling) and deflating (exhaling).
Click here to try yourself!
Take 5 Breathing Exercise for Kids_Part 4 of the Managing Big Emotions series for kids(2) (1).pdfPAWsitive Choices_Calming Breaths.pdf