Practicing the Lion's Breath Breathing Technique with Children
Lion's Breath is a yoga breathing exercise that can help children get energized for the day, and release tension and stress. It's a fun and simple exercise that children can do on their own or with a parent or caregiver. Here are the steps to practice Lion's Breath with children:
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Have your child sit comfortably with their legs crossed, or in a chair with their feet flat on the floor. Encourage them to sit up tall with their shoulders relaxed.
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Have them take a deep breath in through their nose, filling their lungs with air.
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As they exhale, have them stick their tongue out as far as they can and make a "haaaaa" sound, like a lion's roar. Encourage them to let go of any tension they're holding in their face, jaw, and shoulders as they exhale.
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Repeat this exercise three to five times, encouraging your child to take deep breaths in between each Lion's Breath.
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Encourage your child to notice how they feel after practicing Lion's Breath. Do they feel more relaxed? More energized? More focused? This exercise can be a great way to help children regulate their emotions and manage stress and anxiety.
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To make it even more fun, you can encourage your child to imagine they're a lion as they do the exercise. Have them make lion sounds or even act out some lion movements to really get into the spirit of the exercise.
Remember, it's important to always listen to your child's body and not push them too hard. If they feel uncomfortable or lightheaded during the exercise, encourage them to take a break and try again later. With practice, Lion's Breath can become a helpful tool for children to manage stress and anxiety and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
