- Find a quiet space if it is available to you, otherwise sit tall in your chair (at school, at home, or wherever you may be reading this!) for a moment of stillness. “Bring awareness to your breathing as it is. Without judging or changing anything, first simply notice what’s physically happening,” Chris instructed.
- Bring your focus inward, giving awareness to your breath. “As this happens, continue to tether your awareness to noticing the air entering and leaving your body.”
- Start breathing. “Allow yourself to take a full inhale, directing the breath all the way down to your low belly, and slowly, fully exhale,” Chris advised. Bring mindfulness to your practice by gently placing your hands on your belly and chest to feel the rise and fall of your inhalations. Repeat three to five times, or until you begin to feel your stress ease. Don’t get discouraged if this feels uncomfortable the first time; just try again once you’re ready.
- For further grounding, shift your thoughts on pressing your feet to the floor (if sitting in a chair). As Chris put it, “Quite literally focus on your connection with the ground.”
As with any practice, it takes time to discover the technique that works best for you. I’ve found it helpful to set an alarm for 3 p.m. every day (the time I usually become most stressed or unfocused). I take a pause and a few deep breaths wherever I am at. While at first this might seem foreign, I promise, the more you practice your deep breathing, the more effective it will be.
Now get out there and conquer your day!
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also speak with someone confidentially at Headspace by calling 1800 650 890 or chat online here. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.