Have you ever felt overwhelmed and just needed a moment to breathe and regain control? Breathing exercises can be a powerful tool to help manage stress and anxiety. And it’s not just adults who can benefit - kids can too! So I’ve gathered some fantastic resources for breathing exercises for kids that you can use at home or in the classroom. Let’s start with a simple technique called the Take 5 Breathing Exercise. It’s easy to remember and can be done anywhere, anytime. First, take a deep breath and exhale. Then, count to five as you inhale through your nose. Hold your breath for another count of five. Slowly exhale for a count of five. And finally, hold your breath for another count of five. Repeat as many times as you need to feel calm. Next up, we have some breathing exercises specifically for the classroom. One great resource is a set of printable cards with different breathing exercises, like “Peaceful Warrior” and “Washing Machine”. Each card has simple instructions to help kids quickly learn the techniques. Another set of resources is a series of lesson plans centered around mindfulness and breath awareness. These lesson plans incorporate age-appropriate breathing exercises, as well as other mindfulness techniques, to help kids stay focused and calm. Looking for more options to try at home? Check out a printable set of 28 breathing exercises that are perfect for both school and home. Each exercise has a fun name and simple instructions. Some of my favorites include “Drain the Sink” and “Birthday Candle”. But breathing exercises don’t have to just be about relaxation. They can also help with self-regulation and emotional control. One great resource for this is a set of deep breathing exercises specifically designed for self-regulation. These exercises encourage kids to recognize and control their emotions through focused breathing. And don’t forget yoga! Yoga is a fantastic way to engage both the body and the mind, and there are plenty of breathing exercises that can be incorporated into a yoga practice. One fun idea is to use animal poses and matching breathing exercises, like “Lion’s Breath” or “Elephant Breath”. These can be a great way for kids to explore their creativity while also focusing on their breath. Finally, we have a simple deep breathing worksheet that can be used in both the classroom and at home. The worksheet features step-by-step instructions for a deep breathing exercise, as well as space for kids to draw or write about their experience. Breathing exercises can be a powerful tool for both kids and adults to manage stress and anxiety. Whether you’re looking for something simple and quick like the Take 5 Breathing Exercise or something more involved like a full yoga practice, there are plenty of resources out there to explore. So the next time you or your child feel overwhelmed, try taking a few deep breaths and see how it can help.
