Deep Breathing

Purpose: Students practice deep breathing techniques as part of stress reduction

Directions:

1. Stand straight up with feet shoulder-width apart

2. Arms and hands are relaxed downward

3. Body is relaxed

4. Eyes closed

5. Focus on lower abdomen (belly) and imagine a small balloon in that space

6. Breath in slowly and deeply through nostrils, imagining the balloon gently deflating (getting bigger/larger/growing) slowly, hold a few seconds

7. Slowly exhale through the mouth, imagining the balloon gently deflating (getting smaller/shrinking); blow out of the mouth as if blwoing out a candle

8. Tip: Place a hand over the lower abdomen to feel it go up and down, and make sure you're not breathing with the chest

9. Repeat at least 10 times

Think about it: How different does your body feel after the exercise? More relaxed/calm? Do you feel lighter? Great? Tired?

Extension: I encourage you to practice this and teach the deep breathing to a friend of family member.