Crafting Calm: Art and Activities for Mindful Kids

Crafting Calm: Art and Activities for Mindful Kids — page 9
Buddy Breathing We don't often notice the way we breathe But doing so can turn our attention inward and calm our minds This easy exercise lets you focus on your breath with the help of a buddy First pick out your buddy This could be a stuffed animal a toy figurine or a small pet that can sit still Next lie on your back on a flat surface It's helpful to do this activity on a firm floor instead of a soft couch or bed but make sure you feel comfortable wherever you are If you'd like place a pillow under your head or knees You can also bend your knees and plant your feet Place your buddy on your belly just above your belly button Then take a deep full breath in through your nose Feel your belly rise and watch your buddy rise with it Belly Is Best Many of us develop a habit of breathing into our chests This is often the result of feeling stressed The Buddy Breathing exercise encourages belly breathing Belly breathing is deeper and fuller than chest breathing It slows the heartbeat and can lower blood pressure So when you're feeling stressed imagine your buddy encouraging you to breathe into your belly 10