DEEP BREATHS

This is definitely my favorite topic with kids and also families. Kids usually say that they tried it but it does not work. Or, parents remind kids to use it and they don’t do it. So, presenting a deep breath in a way that they know when to use it, how to use it, and why to use it is so important.

TEACHING HOW TO USE DEEP BREATHS

 I love this website. It goes into detail about how to do some of the breaths. I will really recommend learning how to do it on your own and then practicing with your patients in the session.

https://www.mindfulmazing.com/10-breathing-exercises-for-kids-with-anxiety-or-anger/

WHY DEEP BREATHS

 I usually ask if the clients know why deep breaths work. Usually, you will get different kinds of answers (to calm down, to not be angry). Then I start discussing brain and breaths work.  And then we talk about how you are using your body to send a message to the brain (sending oxygen to the brain) by taking deep breaths. I would really recommend two books that do a fantastic job of talking about the brain, vagus nerve, parasympathetic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system, and flight, fight, or freeze response. 

1. The body keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N2W7XLCFCNFY&keywords=body+keeps+the+score&qid=1648172038&sprefix=body+keeps+the+sco%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-1  
2. The whole-brain child by Daniel J. Siegel: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697/ref=sr_1_1?crid=D3C6ZIZZKIZ3&keywords=whole+brain+child&qid=1648172166&sprefix=whole+brain+chil%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1

WHEN TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH

1. Stress: We are told to take a deep breath when we are stressed out. But it’s not so much breathing in and out, it’s actually our exhale that helps us relax. So, using bee breath, sigh breath, snake breath, or big bubbles breath might be better. Also, remember that it is not going to take all your emotions away. It might help your emotions go down from 10 to 8 or 6, but it will help you bring your emotions down. 
2. Daily Practice: It is also important to realize that it is important to practice it more often to be better at it. So, the trick is to practice deep breaths regardless of the situation you are in. Ask yourself how you feel before the breath and practice deep breaths, and end with how relaxed you feel after a deep breath.