Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises

Here's a children's activity guide for emotional development and emotional regulation through breathing exercises:

Activity: Calming Breaths

Age Group: 6-12 years old

Instructions:

       1. Begin by explaining to the child that deep breathing exercises can help them regulate their emotions and create a sense of calm.

       

       2. Find a quiet and comfortable space where the child can sit or lie down.

       3. Guide the child through the following breathing exercise:

              o Instruct the child to take a slow, deep breath in through their nose, counting to four.

              o Encourage them to hold their breath for a moment, counting to two.

              o Instruct the child to exhale slowly through their mouth, counting to six.

              o Repeat this breathing pattern several times, allowing the child to focus on their breath and relax their body.

       4. Encourage the child to place one hand on their belly and the other hand on their chest. Instruct them to feel their belly rise and fall with each breath, while keeping their chest relatively still.

       5. As they continue the breathing exercise, encourage the child to imagine inhaling positive, calming energy and exhaling any tension or negative emotions.

       6. Remind the child that they can use this breathing exercise whenever they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or upset. Encourage them to practice it regularly, even when they are feeling calm, to strengthen their ability to regulate their emotions.

       7. After the breathing exercise, have a discussion with the child about how they felt during the exercise. Ask them to describe any physical or emotional changes they experienced.

       8. Encourage the child to share situations where they think the breathing exercise could be helpful in managing their emotions.

       9. Remind the child that deep breathing is a simple and effective tool they can use anytime and anywhere to help them feel calmer and in control of their emotions.

Remember, the goal of this activity is to help children develop emotional regulation skills through deep breathing exercises. Encourage them to practice regularly and remind them that it's okay to take a moment to breathe and find calmness when needed. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Enjoy practicing calming breaths with the children!