Mindful breathing is an important part of every Yoga Squirrel class and is a great way to teach relaxation techniques to kids. Today we’re sharing some of our favorite mindful breathing activities for kids. Try them at home, in the classroom, or on the go!
Bubble Breathing
- Blowing bubbles is always a yogi favorite. Take turns blowing bubbles by taking in a slow, deep breath through the nose, and out through the mouth.
Flower Breathing
- Pretend to pick a beautiful flower from the ground (or go outside and pick a real flower!) Talk with your kids about what kind of flower you picked, what color it is, what it smells like, etc.
- Hold your flower up to your nose and take deep breaths to smell your flower.
- Take in a deep breath through the nose and out through the mouth. Repeat.
Candle Breathing
- Imagine you have a candle sitting in front of you. Talk with your kids about what the flame looks like, sounds like, smells like, etc.
- Pretend to blow out the candle. Take in a deep breath through the nose and out through the mouth. Repeat.
- Teachers – this is a great activity for when a student in your class has a birthday!
Hot Drink Breathing
- Imagine you have a hot drink in front of you (or use a real hot drink!) Talk with your kids about what kind of hot drink you have (hot chocolate, hot tea, hot apple cider, etc.) Talk about what your drink smells like, looks like, etc.
- Hold your drink up to your mouth, and blow on it to cool it off. Take in a deep breath through the nose and out through the mouth. Repeat.
Hoberman Sphere Breathing
- This is a Yoga Squirrel favorite! If you have access to a Hoberman Sphere, use it as a breathing tool. Take a deep breath in through the nose as you open the sphere. Breathe out through the mouth as you close it.
- You and your kid(s) can take turns opening and closing the sphere while taking deep breaths.
Buddy Breathing
- Lie down on your back and place an object on your stomach. If you have Beanie Babies lying around, they are great for buddy breathing!
- Take deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Watch the object on your stomach rise and fall with each breath.
These are a few of our favorites, and there are so many more creative mindful breathing activities for kids! We hope you and your kids enjoy these or your other favorite breathing techniques.
Namaste,
Alex & Christine