Support 360 and student wellbeing
Approaches to stress management which include breathing exercises have a substantial body of evidence to suggest this can have multiple positive benefits for our physical and mental health (Williams & Penman). Breathing is the essence of life - watch this video representation of planet Earth breathing Watch as these children explain how heightened emotion makes them feel and how they use focused breathing to regulate themselves. Just Breathe. Try it for yourself - take 4 deep, belly breaths and ensure your exhalation is longer than your inhalation. How does that make you feel? Another technique we can use to activate a relaxation response is “grounding”.This technique uses all our senses to “ground” us in the present moment and reduce stressful thoughts and feelings. In terms of optimal human functioning, our brains like to be still and our bodies like to be active. Here is a simple graphic that describes this practice.
