Relaxation exercises help children manage their reactions to stress and anxiety. First of all, with muscle relaxation and controlled breathing, children learn the difference between tense and relaxed muscles. Then children can close their eyes and listen to a guiding and soothing voice. Practising relaxation exercises helps children learn how to relax and calm themselves. Here is an example of a guided relaxation story below:
The Dream of MooMoo comes true!
Lie comfortably on the ground. Put your hands on your belly. Take a breath through your nose and imagine that a balloon swells in your belly as you do so. Feel that this balloon extinguished as you exhale (We repeat this five times). With breathing your whole body relaxes; imagine that it is melting like ice on your mat.
I will tell you a short story now…
Once upon a time there was a curious cow that loved dreaming. The name of this cow was MooMoo. She liked learning new things. But MooMoo’s sisters were not very interested in her dreams and found them absurd. The only thing her sisters were interested in were fresh, delicious herbs. One day, MooMoo met a very friendly dragon in the forest and said that he could teach her to fly. The next day, her sisters could not find her at home and they went to search the forest, wondering. They encountered something very strange! Many animals were climbing the tree for dragon flying lessons. The three sisters got their courage and climbed the tree. They saw a magnificent view on the top of the tree. MooMoo was flying! Could they fly too? They thought for a moment and said something they had never said before: WHY NOT! The four sisters floated in the sky with balloons in joy all day.
Now you can also dream of something you really want to do like MooMoo. Other people may find this dream absurd or funny. But this is your dream and it is in your hands to make it real. Now close your eyes softly and think of yourself as you do something you want. Just dream… I will give you a few more minutes. Imagine that your dream come true and enjoy it!
Repeat quietly:
Affirmation: I have the power to fulfill my wishes.
Now it is time to wake up. When you are ready move your fingers and toes, hug your knees into your chest. Roll over onto your side. We press ourselves up to sit, crossing our legs. We bring our hands together at our heart. Namaste!