Breathing Exercises BELOW!
Breathing Exercises BELOW!
Trace a finger around your hand while inhaling and down while exhaling, it combines sensory stimulation with deep breaths, helping to centre and calm the mind.
Inspired by the powerful imagery of a dragon, this technique involves taking a deep inhale through the nose and exhaling forcefully through the mouth, like a dragon releasing fire.
Square breathing involves inhaling, holding your breath, exhaling, and holding again, each for an equal count. You can draw a square and trace it or use your imagination!
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a grounding exercise that can be done almost anywhere and it doesn't require any equipment or materials- just your brain! Take a few minutes to learn how to complete the exercise and then try it for yourself.
Book Read Alouds BELOW!
Mindfulness is the practice of paying purposeful attention to the present moment. This simple yet profound approach teaches individuals to be fully engaged in whatever they’re doing, rather than being lost in thoughts, distractions, or reactions. For children, cultivating mindfulness can offer a myriad of benefits:
Emotional Regulation: Children are still learning how to manage their emotions. Mindfulness equips them with skills to observe their feelings without being overwhelmed, fostering emotional resilience.
Enhanced Focus: In an age of distractions, mindfulness trains the brain to concentrate on tasks, improving academic performance and the ability to complete activities.
Stress Reduction: By cultivating awareness of the present, children can reduce anxiety about the past or future, promoting a sense of calm.
Increased Empathy: Mindfulness nurtures an understanding of one’s feelings, which in turn fosters compassion for others.
Improved Decision Making: A mindful child is more likely to pause and consider consequences, leading to wiser choices.