WELLBEING AND INCLUSION

Regulation Strategies - Breath Control

By consciously breathing using deep breaths and engaging the diaphragm, controlled breathing is a strategy for regulation and helping kids reach a calm and alert state so they can focus. Let’s discuss breath control and deep breathing as a tool for children!

Breathing can help you feel calmer, can help you focus and concentrate and can help you prepare for a challenge or new activity. Breath control uses conscious breathing, or an awareness of using deep breaths as a strategy for regulation. Engaging the diaphragm for full, “belly breaths” allow for controlled breathing and is helpful in allowing children to reach a calm and alert state so they can focus.

Try ‘Take 5 Breathing’ and use your hand as a prompt to take five deep breaths.

Source: https://www.theottoolbox.com/breath-control/ 

Visual: https://childhood101.com/take-5-breathing-exercise/ 

Virginnia Gilham – Inclusive Practices Leader