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Lazy 8 Breathing

hope4hurtingkids.com/emotions/coping-skills/lazy-8-breathing/

March 30,
2018

Lazy 8 Breathing is a very simple technique to help teach kids deep breathing. Deep
breathing is a foundational skill when it comes to coping and is a vital part in the Please
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff coping tool box. Whether you find the number 8 in a magazine
or book or draw your own on a sheet paper, you can quickly and easily teach kids a simple
method to practice deep breathing.

How Does Lazy 8 Breathing Work

Have the child trace the number 8 with their finger. Obviously, the speed will vary
depending on the size of the 8, but try to have the child trace the eight in such a way that
tracing each side of the eight takes about 3-4 seconds. As the child traces one side of the 8,

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they should breath in deeply through their nose. As they cross the intersection line and
trace the other side, have them breathe out through their mouth. That’s it! We told you it
was easy, but it is a simple and effective way for kids of all ages to remember how to
breathe deeply in order to cope with difficult circumstances.
For more awesome resources for learning about and dealing with emotions, please visit our
Hope 4 Hurting Kids Emotions Help Center.

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