But this takes a concerted effort such as the one your school is making. They're getting ready for standardized tests and the whole class seems quite anxious. Just mentioning the upcoming tests makes many of my students look visibly nervous. One easy stress management technique to teach kids is the relaxation skill of deep breathing. We all think we know how to take deep breaths, but that's not always true.
Many people breathe by using their upper chest muscles.
But to most effectively take deep, relaxing breaths, you need to use your abdominal muscles instead. Place your other hand on your abdomen, with your bottom finger just above your navel. Take a deep breath in and feel exactly where the muscles are moving under your hands. If you're using your upper chest muscles, your upper hand will rise and fall with each breath. If you're using your abdominal muscles, your lower hand will rise and fall with each breath and your upper hand will feel little or no movement.