Take a second, plant your feet on the floor, roll your shoulders back and take a deep breath. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Feel good? Take another one. Nice.
Today’s strategy is called a Cooling Breath (or a Sitali breath). It can be used when we feel frustrated to help bring our body temperature back down along with our stress levels.
- Stick out your tongue and curl it like a straw. (If you can’t do that, it’s ok, just make a little circle with your lips like you are drinking from a straw).
- Breathe in for 5 counts. Be aware of the coolness of the air entering your body, going down your throat and into your lungs and belly.
- Bring your tongue back in your mouth and hold at the top of your breath for one second before exhaling through your nose.
Repeat 5 times, or for as long as feels good for you. Remember that your breath should never be labored. If 5 counts is too long, breathe in for 4. Do what feels comfortable.
Here’s a video that teaches/guides this if you’re interested.
Have a good rest of the week!
Brought to you by Christiane Buethe, Special Education Teacher and Restorative Justice Circles Instructor.