Breathing can help when you are trying to regulate your emotions and promote relaxation. Practicing mindful breathing may help with:
shifting attention away from anxious thoughts
promoting relaxation through deep, slow breaths
providing a sense of control through controlling your breathing
Try one of the breathing exercises below!
Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help in times of stress by focusing on the present moment, and giving you space from some of the worries of the past or future. For example, taking a moment for mindfulness or meditation may be able to:
help you observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement
help you break a negative cycle of worrying or stressful thoughts
help you regulate emotions and regulate the body's stress response
Try one of the mindfulness or meditation exercise below!
Mindful Body Scan for Youth and Children
5 Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere
Sometimes you may want to have noise in the background while you are studying, drawing, or doing anything at all! The links below are for videos with relaxing and calming sounds (and peaceful images) that may be able to help you focus.
Soothing Music - purple flowers
Soothing Music - nature scene
There are so many strategies for when you are feeling anxious, or need support with emotional regulation. Feel free to try any of the additional suggestions below!
Talk to a trusted adult
Drawing or Coloring or Writing
Weave Silk: click and drag to create random drawings
Be active
Work on a puzzle - online puzzle
Play a board game
Spend time with a pet
Dance
Play an instrument
Yoga / Stretching
Sensory Activities
Listen to music
Read out loud
Sensory bottles
Go outside!
Go for a walk, run, or jog
Garden
Play a sport
*This webpage and included strategies are not intended to diagnose, or provide treatment for any medical or mental health concern.