Life can be messy, and we all need strategies to feel calm and centred. That's why we're sharing six different techniques you can try with your kids. Which one will be your favorite?
- Count 1-10 Mississippis (or change the word to whatever you want!)
It can be helpful to take a breath and count to ten. This technique gives your body and mind time to process your emotions. It teases out the space between the event and your reaction.
- Hold your hands together and squeeze hard
Do you know how a massage helps you relax? This is a simpler version of that. This deep pressure technique is believed to provide tactile and proprioceptive input to the nervous system. So the next time your kids start to feel stress building up, try squeezing your hands together as hard as you can for a few seconds, then release.
- Open and close your jaw
When we're stressed, we automatically clench our teeth without realizing it. Teaching our kids to bring awareness to their bodies is the first step to being calm. Start by opening and closing your jaw to relieve tension.
- Breathe in through your nose and exhale loudly through your mouth
Deep breathing is an effective way to calm down quickly. The secret sauce is in the exhale - long, conscious and slow. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale loudly through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you feel more relaxed.
- Tapping the part of your body that feels tight
Sometimes, we hold tension in specific parts of our bodies, like our shoulders or neck. Try tapping or gently massaging the area that feels tight to release tension.
- Close your eyes and imagine water flowing
Visualization is a powerful tool for finding calm. Close your eyes and imagine water flowing, like a river or waterfall. There are many ways to do this - floating on the water, watching leaves move through the stream or waves rolling in, or even you going for a swim. The key is to let the water wash over you with calm and peace.
There are so many simple ways to find calm in challenging situations that require no equipment! Just your imagination, breath and body. Whether you choose to count Mississippis, squeeze your hands together, or imagine water flowing, finding what works for you is essential. Give it a go and share if you found it helpful!
"I am calm. I take 10 deep breaths when things are difficult" is part of the Metta Play bilingual affirmation card pack available here in Mandarin, French, and Indonesian