Your teenager can feel anxious for so many reasons e.g class assessments, social media issues,  relationship difficulties, transitioning from one school to another,  body image issues, family problems, feeling like they are ‘different’ ...the list is endless.

And although sometimes there is a need to seek help from health professionals such as counsellors and therapists - there is also another really simple solution -  breathing exercises.  Supporting your teenager to simply stop and breathe deeply whenever they feel upset or anxious, will help them to calm their nervous system. Stopping and breathing deeply will enable them to feel more relaxed and clear-headed. It may not change the issue that’s bothering them, but it will empower them to approach the issue with a calmer, clearer mind. 

For some step by step tips on ‘how to’ breathe deeply for stress management, take a look at the following sites:

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255

https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/stress/stress-induced-fatigue

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises

Recognising the benefit that mindful breathing has on mental and physical wellbeing, our 7 & 8 teachers have been teaching their classes deep breathing skills through the Pause, Breathe, Smile;  Mindfulness in schools programme. https://mindfulnesseducation.nz/pause-breathe-smile/ This programme has been running for seven years in schools throughout New Zealand and the results have been extremely positive i.e better learning outcomes and increased wellbeing. 

This is an exciting development in terms of Hauora for our akonga at Ōtaki College as the emotional regulation skills they are learning through the power of breath will stand our young learners in good stead not only during their senior school years but also throughout adulthood. If your child is in7 & 8, ask them to demonstrate what they are learning.  

Better yet, make a decision as a family to practise deep breathing so that you can remind one another to ‘stop and breathe’ when you notice that a family member might be feeling upset. It’s such a helpful strategy that we all need to be reminded of at various times.