Have you ever felt like you need a break and catch a breath? Well, I have a super cool trick to help you do just that! It's called "Five Finger Breathing" and it's really easy to do!
First, put your hand out in front of you, with your fingers spread apart. Then, use your other hand to trace each finger, starting at the bottom of your palm and wrist.
Trace to your thumb, take a deep breath in, and as you trace back down to your palm, let it out slowly. Keep doing this for each finger, breathing in as you trace up, and breathing out as you trace down.
You can even do it with a friend! Trace each other's hands, or use some markers or paintbrushes to make it extra fun. A little bit of sensory and interactivity.
The best part of the five-finger breathing exercise is that the only thing you need is your hands! It's an easily accessible practice that can help kids calm down and focus their minds. Encourage your kids to use this technique whenever they feel anxious or overwhelmed, and make it a part of your daily routine.
And, if you want to take your mindfulness practice even further, check out Metta Play's bilingual yoga and affirmation cards for kids here. These cards can help your kids learn mindfulness and a new language in a fun and engaging way.
So, the next time you need a little break, try Five Finger Breathing and feel the calm wash over you.