Breathing Exercises For Children: Useful Tips
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best breathing exercises for kids. Teaching your kids good breathing techniques is a simple, yet effective strategy for slowing things down both mentally and physically.
It helps them pay attention to how they feel, how to relax, and how to manage their emotions.
Mindful breathing allows children to control their feelings and improve their sense of mental and physical well-being. In this way, it is the same as any other healthy habit.
With that in mind , it’s a good idea to help them take frequent breaks to practice conscious breathing. Show them how these breathing exercises can affect the way they feel, think, and behave.
The best breathing exercises for kids
1. Flower Breathing
The first of these breathing exercises requires some imagination.
- For starters , your kids should sit on the floor with their legs crossed or on their heels.
- Then they close their eyes and tune in to the sound of their breathing. At this point, they should imagine that they are holding a flower.
- Then they take a deep breath as if they are smelling the flower.
- Then they exhale and pretend to bend the petals.
- They should repeat the cycle of deep breathing and gentle exhalation for a few minutes.
This breathing technique is a simple way to make children more aware of this involuntary act.
2. Deep Abdominal Breathing
- To do this form of deep breathing, your child must first choose a comfortable upright position.
- The right hand should be placed on the stomach and the left hand on the chest.
- Inhale deeply four times, then exhale through the nose, mouth closed.
- This exercise allows the child to feel the rise and fall of his or her abdomen.
- The deep abdominal breathing should last a few minutes.
It allows children to relax and to think about different things during the process. It is likely that after a few sessions your child will feel comfortable before you expect it.
3. Breathing Exercises for Kids: Breathe Like an Elephant
This is one of the most entertaining breathing exercises for kids. It is also very easy to do and kids can have fun while doing it.
- They should start in a standing position, feet apart.
- Then they place their arms in front of them and put their palms on the ground, like an elephant.
- Then they have to inhale through their nose and raise their arms above their heads.
- As they exhale through the mouth, they lower their palms back to the floor.
- We recommend repeating this exercise three times.
4. Hot Air Balloon Breathing
This option relaxes children while allowing them to use their imagination.
- Simply tell your child to first sit comfortably with his or her legs crossed and hands over his or her mouth.
- Next, your child should inhale deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth, as if he or she were inflating a huge hot air balloon.
- When he or she exhales completely, tell your child to inhale slowly, admiring the imaginary balloon as it floats in the air.
5. Breathe Like a Rabbit
Here’s another fun and simple exercise to help your kids breathe better.
- Invite them to pretend to be bunnies, sniffing the air in search of other bunnies, roots, or safe hiding places.
- To do this, all they need to do is inhale and exhale through their nose.
This is undoubtedly one of the best breathing exercises for when kids are angry and can’t breathe properly. This technique allows them to connect with their exhalation, breathing instead of moving.
Keep in mind that these breathing exercises can calm your kids and manage panic attacks. However, you have to be patient and invest a little time in learning the different variations. Don’t miss this opportunity to give them tools that help with their own well-being.