Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear
On these hard-to-get-going fall days, when we just want to stay under the covers, it can be a challenge for kids (and for us) to find the focused energy we need.
Simple breathing exercises that generate heat and engage the belly muscles can help create that focused energy.
We tend to think of breathing as a soothing, calming activity—and often it is—but the breath is a wonderfully versatile tool, and can be utilized in different ways.
Hot Soup, from my book Breathe Like a Bear, is a great example. This fun, mindful breath exercise will help you and your little ones get perked up in no time.
And you can have any kind of soup you want! 😊
Imagine you’re holding a hot cup of soup.
It’s much too hot to eat right now!
Breathe in and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!”
Breathe in and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!”
Put one hand on your belly,
and see if you can feel your belly muscles working as you say it.
Breathe in and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!”
Put your soup down.
Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out!