Long and slow breathing has a calming effect. In this state you have less control over the way you think and the way you act.īut probably the best way of releasing them out of this state is breathing. Many children are partly in this ‘flight or fight’ state for a large proportion of their lives. Stress increases adrenaline, which increases the speed of breathing. This originates from the ‘flight or fight’ instinct. When we are stressed or anxious, our breathing becomes quicker and more shallow. Children are wrapped up in an environment of activity, flux, and challenge.

There is often going to be some conflict and things going wrong, and this is exacerbated by the number of people around them. Dealing With AnxietyĬhildren are surrounded by activity, and can become over-stimulated as there’s just so much going on. This has many good aspects, but there are also a few negative side-effects – a big one being overwhelm. In school or childcare settings, children are continually surrounded by many others. All-in-all, something as simple as breathing can have a massive impact on children’s mental health. There’s actually a few reasons, and all of them have positive effects on our minds, and also on the ability to learn. Why is breathing such a big deal in mindfulness? In this article, I look at the best 15 breathing games for kids, which are:įirst, I’ll quickly look at why breathing is so important, before then diving into those wonderful games… The Importance Of Breathing The big thing to remember is make it fun! Turn the practice of controlling our breathing into a game, and children are much more likely to want to try it.

Based on Kira Willey's Parents' Choice GOLD Award-winning writing, this board book series ( Listen like an Elephant and the upcoming Bunny Breaths) is the first of its kind and is the perfect tool to help children and parents develop a fun and consistent mindfulness practice.Īdapted from the successful Breathe like a Bear hardcover/trade paperback-a collection of mindful moments an exercises for kids-this board book is an easy-to-follow breathing exercise kids can use to manage their bodies, breath, and emotions.Being able to control our breathing is one of the best ways of calming us down.Īll children, and particularly those that are prone to worry or anxiety, will find learning some breathing games to have huge benefits.

With this board book, kids will learn to control their breathing and soothe themselves slowly to sleep, just like a bear in hibernation! Best of all, it can be performed anywhere: in the backseat of a car, at home, or even at a child's desk at school. Part of the Mindfuless Moments for Kids series, this mindful meditation exercise featuring a sweet bear cub helps kids feel calm, wherever they are. Print Breathe Like a Bear (Mindfulness Moments for Kids)

Breathe like a bear kira willey