The Positive Impacts of Mindful Breathwork for Kids

The Positive Impacts of Mindful Breathwork for Kids

Breathing; it’s something we do on auto-pilot at all moments of the day, yet we rarely bring our awareness to it. For children struggling with sleep, learning to maximise their breathing can be a game-changer. At Surfing on a Cloud, we integrate breathing techniques into our guided sleep meditations, helping children find the calm they need to drift off into a peaceful slumber. 

This blog explores the power of breathing and how it’s seamlessly woven into our storytelling to help kids under ten experience better sleep.

The Importance of Breathing for Sleep 

Breathing deeply and rhythmically sends signals to our brain that it’s time to relax. Research shows that deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety, two common culprits behind sleep issues in children. By teaching children how to harness the power of their breath, we can provide them with a natural tool to combat restlessness and ease into sleep.

The parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, counters the “fight or flight” response triggered by stress. Deep, mindful breathing encourages the body to relax, slows the heart rate, and lowers blood pressure, creating an optimal environment for sleep. This is particularly beneficial for children whose developing nervous systems are highly sensitive to stress and anxiety.

The Science Behind Breathing and Relaxation

Understanding the science behind breathing techniques can help parents appreciate their value. When we breathe deeply, we stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. This nerve plays a crucial role in activating the body’s relaxation response. For children, learning to engage in this natural process can be transformative, providing a sense of control over their bodies and emotions.

The vagus nerve is a key player in the body’s ability to relax and recover. Stimulating this nerve through deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps to slow the heart rate and lower cortisol levels, promoting a sense of calm. For children who often experience heightened emotions and stress, learning to engage the vagus nerve can be a powerful tool for self-regulation. It gives them a tangible way to manage their feelings, which can be particularly helpful at bedtime when anxieties often surface.

How Surfing on a Cloud Integrates Breathing into Stories 

At Surfing on a Cloud, we understand that children respond well to stories. That’s why we integrate breathing exercises into our guided sleep meditations, making them a seamless part of the narrative. Each story is crafted to lead children through breathing techniques in a fun and engaging way, helping them to relax without even realising they’re practising a form of meditation.

Our stories are designed to capture a child’s imagination, transporting them to serene, dream-like settings where relaxation is effortless. For example, a story might begin with a gentle reminder to take a deep breath in and out, syncing with the rhythm of waves lapping on a beach. As the narrative progresses, children might be guided to match their breathing to the steady beat of a friendly animal’s heartbeat or the soft sway of a magical tree’s branches. These subtle cues are interwoven with the story, so children naturally follow along, easing into a state of calm and readiness for sleep.

The Science Behind Breathing and Relaxation 

Understanding the science behind breathing techniques can help parents appreciate their value. When we breathe deeply, we stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. This nerve plays a crucial role in activating the body’s relaxation response. For children, learning to engage this natural process can be transformative, providing a sense of control over their bodies and emotions.

The vagus nerve is a key player in the body’s ability to relax and recover. Stimulating this nerve through deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps to slow the heart rate and lower cortisol levels, promoting a sense of calm. For children who often experience heightened emotions and stress, learning to engage the vagus nerve can be a powerful tool for self-regulation. It gives them a tangible way to manage their feelings, which can be particularly helpful at bedtime when anxieties often surface.

Conclusion

Incorporating breathing techniques into bedtime routines can significantly improve sleep quality for children. At Surfing on a Cloud, we make this easy and enjoyable by embedding these techniques into our guided sleep meditations. By doing so, we offer a holistic solution to children’s sleep problems, helping them (and their parents) achieve restful nights and brighter mornings.

Back

Kids Guided Meditations for Sleep

Download Now

The Positive Impacts of Mindful Breathwork for Kids