To be able to do this, we need to know how to breathe deeply and practice it regularly. It helps our kids to be able to slow down and find some calm in moments of angst. Our breath is something we can consciously use to help us move from uncontrolled acceleration to calmly applying the brakes. It slows us down, helps us reset the pace and get to where we want to go calmly and safely. Where-as the PNS is like us putting on the brakes. I think of the SNS like a car’s accelerator – even though we know we need to be going at 60, the car is speeding up and can feel out of control. This can help us calm our minds and our bodies, to relax and be able to refocus our attention. There is one thing that can help us though…that is within our control, our breath! It is an amazing Superpower, if we know how to use it!ĭeep belly breathing can help us switch on the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) – our relaxation mode. Although, at times, not that helpful! When our stress response is in swing, a lot of what is happening is occurring at an unconscious level and therefore it can be challenging for our kids to shift. It happens to all of us and is very natural. Our heart rate might increase, we might feel tense, have sweaty palms, extra energy like we want to run and be unable to think clearly or even have a pain in the tummy – this is fight, flight and freeze. When we’re stressed or anxious, our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) can kick in -our stress response. Mindful breathing is superpower for our kids and a great tool to help restore some calm.
I know it goes without saying that there is a lot happening for our kids at the moment, and many might be experiencing anxious feelings (especially if we are, it's contagious!). We learned that deep belly breathing helps us spin the wheel for longer and feel calmer. After we learned some new techniques to control our breath, we made a pinwheel each and tried to spin the wheel using different types of breathing. This week I ran a Mindful Breathing class for 145 kids! We had lots of fun doing different poses and learning different ways of breathing. I’m very passionate about bringing accessible well-being activities into the home that are easy and fun to do as a family – that’s why I created Kids Who Shine! I work with adults and kids to boost their well-being. I’m also a certified mindfulness and yoga teacher, strengths coach and trainer. I’m Sarah Wakefield, a Mum of three girls (4YO identical twins and a 7 YO).