Do you want to learn a fun and effective tool that can help your kids feel more calm? The five senses exercise, also known as 5-4-3-2-1, might be just what they need!
The five senses exercise is a mindfulness practice that can help you bring awareness to the present moment. It's easy and you can add so many playful elements to make it fun! You can imagine yourself as a curious cat or a detective, exploring the world around you with all of your senses.
Here's how you can do the five senses exercise
1. Find a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths
2. Notice 5 things you can see. Look around you and pay attention to the shapes, colors, and details of your surroundings. It could be the shape of the window or the color of your clothes.
3. Notice 4 things you can touch. Pay attention to how they feel and what they're made of. It could be how soft a blanket is, or the fur of your furry dog.
4. Notice 3 things you can hear. Listen closely to the sounds around you. It could be the sound of your mama's voice or your friends playing in the backyard.
5. Notice 2 things you can smell. Take a deep breath and notice it could be the smell of play-dough or your favorite chocolate chip cookie baking in the oven!
6. Notice 1 thing you can taste. Maybe it's how sweet the mango was at dinner or how cold the water feels.
Repeat this exercise as many times as you want, and remember to have fun with it! You can also share what you found helpful with others.