We teach students to take a few deep breaths before they start their sharing time. There are so many reasons this practice is helpful to people of all ages. Most importantly, deep breathing activates our vagus nerve, which helps us calm down, think more clearly, and heal. This short video explains the basics and is great to share with your kids!
Deep breathing helps our brains function better. It can help us recall information and instructions, calm us down when we’re afraid or angry, and fall asleep more quickly at night. It can even help with anxiety and depression!
- 9 Facts About the Vagus Nerve. This fascinating article from Mental Floss walks readers through all the amazing things the vagus nerve is responsible for — it does far more than just start our relaxation response.
- Dacher Keltner on the Vagus Nerve. In this video, UC Berkeley psychologist and Faculty Director of the Greater Good Science Center shares his research on the vagus nerve, a key nexus of mind and body, and a biological building block of human compassion.
- 9 Ways Deep Breathing Supercharges Your Body and Mind. Deep breathing affects almost every single system in our body. It not only helps us feel better, it also helps us heal!
- How Mindfulness Practices are Changing an Inner City School. This Baltimore school has embraced the daily practice of mindfulness. It shows transforming success rates and kids are taking more responsibility for their actions. The same could be true in your own home!
Mindfulness practices take time, but the benefits begin immediately! These habits you’re building with your kids will follow them their entire life.
