Wellbeing

Dear Families, Staff and Students,

Every so often I come across a coping strategy that seems to work for almost everyone no matter the age or the situation. When I find good tips of course I want to pass them on.

The strategy I am sharing today is unique as it uses our breath as well as our sense of touch. This can make it easier for young people to focus on tracing their fingers as well rather than breathing alone. I have used it myself before big meetings and I advise students to use it when distressed or before exams. If I had it my way I would teach it to every student in the school!!!

Coping with stress is an important life skill. Slowing our breathing slows down our heart rate and slows down the bodies stress response. This allows us to regain focus on the task at hand. It really doesn’t matter what method you use to slow your breathing at all, you might have other strategies which work for you.

This strategy is called 5 Finger Breathing. Try it out yourself or tell a friend !!

Five-finger breathing explained by James Parker, MD, of the Everett Clinic - YouTube

Instructions:

BREATHE IN while tracing up your thumb with your finger

PAUSE and HOLD at the fingertip

BREATHE OUT when you trace down the other side of your finger.

Repeat for the whole hand

If you are quite tense do both hands!