Lighten up!

Last week in school we talked about how sometimes things can feel a bit heavy: The news and images on TV. Losing a game. Politics. War. Homework. Arguments with friends and siblings. While it’s okay and normal to sometimes feel sad and disappointed and down, we spent some time brainstorming simple ways to bring more light and peace to our days:

• Breathe with awareness: What does it feel like to breathe? Where do you feel it?

• Relax your Face: Open your mouth as wide as you can and look up the top of your head. Then close your eyes shut and scrunch up your face as small as you can make it. Now relax all 42 muscles in your face. Smile.

• Five Finger Gratitude: For each finger on your hand, name one thing for which you are grateful.

• Stand and Stretch: Take a deep breath as you bring your arms over your head. Exhale and bend to the left. Inhale arms back up. Exhale bend to the right. Repeat a few times.

• Get outside: Go for a walk around the block. Play at the park. Walk your dog. If you can’t get outside, go sit near an open window and let the fresh air fill you up. 

• Check  your Posture: How do you feel? Can you sit or stand a little taller creating more space between the vertebrae of your spine?

• Practice loving-kindness: “May (name a loved one) be happy, healthy and safe.”

• Breathe again: This time breathe in for five seconds and breathe out for another five.

• Mindful listening: Close your eyes and notice any sounds around you.

• Body Scan: Soften any areas of tension in the body and invite relaxation and ease.

Some quick strategies to feel lighter when life has you down.