Wellbeing

You can try these wellbeing activities that include breathing and mind activities with the children within your setting. 

I can breathe - breathing activities

Balloon breathing - think of your belly as a balloon. Imagine you are blowing up and letting out the balloon with each breath   

Triangle breathing - breathe in and out slowly as your eyes move along the sides of a triangle. Hold your breath at each corner.

Bee breathing - breathe in and out slowly through your nose while making a mm buzz sound with your mouth.

Bear breathing - imagine you are a bear hibernating in a den. Breathe in and out slowly through your nose, pausing in between.

Flower breathing - pretend you are holding a flower. Breathe in to smell the flower. Exhale to blow the flowers petals.

Candle breathing - imagine you are holding a lit candle. With each breath out, slowly blow out the candle.

Bubble breathing - imagine you are holding a bubble wand. Blow through the wand slowly. Imagine the bubbles slowly growing, release and repeat.

Rainbow breathing - imagine a rainbow is in front of you, use a finger to trace the rainbow back and forth, breathe slowly in and out

Cookie breathing - imagine a cookie straight out of the oven. Hold it in your hand, bring it up to your nose and breathe in the smell, then blowout to cool your cookie down.

Mindfulness activities

Object sorting - objects are a great tool for teaching mindfulness, sorting by texture, weight, scent, or type helps children practice focus and organisation

Cloud watching - cloud watching is a relaxing activity that encourages children to stay present and observe their surroundings

Leaf observation - a simple leaf can become a powerful too when you encourage children to observe it closely 

Listening to nature - tuning in to the sounds of nature is a simple way to practice mindfulness whether in your garden, the park or when opening a window.

Mindful walking - mindful walking can be done anywhere, indoors, or outdoors. It is an excellent way for children to engage their senses and feel grounded.

Mindful scenting - using everyday smells can be a great way to introduce mindfulness to children.

Mindful touch - everyday objects with different textures can be used to help children practice mindfulness.

Mindful drawing - drawing can be a relaxing and mindful activity that helps children express themselves.

Bubble blowing - not just fun, a great way to teach mindfulness through breathing

Mindful listening - a universal tool that can be used to practice mindfulness.