Sometimes we all get overwhelmed with big feelings. Here are some calming techniques that our Parent Connect group came up with for grownups and for little ones.

Take care of your basic needs

Take deep breaths (more specifics below)
Drink water
Take a nap - lay down for 15 minutes
Have a healthful snack - protein, fruits, veggies
Move your body - stretch, take a walk/run
Sunshine (indoor “happy light”)
Mental health - therapy

Connect with yourself

How am I feeling right now?
Journal
Pray/ meditate - try a meditation app
Be creative - write a poem, play music, paint, knit, draw, build…

Connect with others

Call a friend
Meet for a walk/ playdate
Nurture relationships within a community, like in a faith-based community or neighborhood

Connect with nature

Garden/ have indoor plants
Pause to watch the sun rise or set
Notice the nature around you
Listen to the birds, water flowing, play meditative music
Pet a dog, cat

More ideas for kids (and grown ups):

Comfort item - blanket, stuffed animal, etc.
Draw an angry/happy/sad picture
Take a break - be by oneself for a while, look at a book
Cuddle, rocking chair
Sensory input - “Do you need a tight squeeze?”, play with playdough, water, sand
Taking deep breaths
- 5 finger breaths - run one finger up and down the fingers on your other hand slowly taking a breath in as you go up the finger and blow out slowly as your finger goes down.
- Blow bubbles
- Blow a pinwheel
- Make a breathing wand - see below

Made with toilet paper tubes and curly ribbon or streamers.

Here are some ways that we “take a break” and calm our bodies at preschool.