Balloon breathing
Fill the balloon in your belly, then let it out slowly.
Up, up and away
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How to do it
- Put one hand on your belly and imagine a balloon inside.
- Breathe in through your nose and feel the balloon fill. Your hand should rise.
- Hold for a moment at the top.
- Let the air out slowly through your mouth as the balloon shrinks.
- When you finish, watch your balloon float away.
Why it can help
Belly breathing uses the diaphragm, the big muscle under your lungs, instead of quick, shallow chest breaths. Slower, deeper breaths tell the nervous system that you are safe. The balloon turns the exercise into a picture, which makes it easier for children, and plenty of adults, to stick with.
- Kids can lie down with a soft toy on their belly and watch it ride up and down.
- Pick a balloon color above the balloon.