Mindful Breathing
Life skill related:
Self-regulation
Methodology:
Guided relaxation
Subject:
Health Education
Age/Grade:
All ages
Timing:
40-45 mins
The activity, without any preparation, takes 15 minutes
Materials/suggestions
Create a calm and inviting environment for the activity, free from distractions and noise.
Guide students through the mindful breathing exercise with a soothing and reassuring tone, helping them feel safe and relaxed.
Encourage students to approach the practice with an open mind and without judgment, allowing them to experience the benefits of mindfulness firsthand.
Be mindful of students' individual needs and comfort levels, offering modifications or alternatives as needed to ensure everyone can participate comfortably.
After the activity, provide opportunities for students to share their experiences and ask questions, allowing for open dialogue and reflection on the practice of self-regulation.
Description of the activity:
This activity focuses on promoting self-regulation and emotional well-being through the practice of mindful breathing.
Procedure:
Begin by gathering the students in a quiet, comfortable space within the classroom.
Explain to the students that they will be practicing a relaxation technique called mindful breathing, which can help them feel calm and focused.
Have the students sit or lie down in a comfortable position, with their eyes closed if they feel comfortable doing so.
Encourage the students to take slow, deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth, focusing their attention on the sensation of their breath as it enters and leaves their body.
As the students continue to breathe mindfully, guide them in bringing their attention to different parts of their body, starting from their head and moving down to their toes, encouraging them to relax each part as they exhale.
Optionally, you can play soft music or nature sounds in the background to enhance the relaxation experience.
Try to enjoy “silence”
After a few minutes of mindful breathing, gently bring the students back to the present moment by asking them to wiggle their fingers and toes and slowly open their eyes.
Allow the students a moment to reflect on how they feel after practicing mindful breathing, and encourage them to use this technique whenever they need to calm their minds or regulate their emotions.