Meet Your Belly Buddy

What is Belly Breathing?Belly breathing is a special, slow way of breathing that makes your tummy move up and down, like a balloon filling with air and then letting it out.Why does it help?When we feel big feelings like being mad, sad, or super wiggly, our breathing can get fast. Slow belly breathing tells our brain and body that everything is okay, which helps us feel calm and peaceful again.

Let's get ready to practice! Follow these easy steps:Find a small, soft friend. It can be a stuffed animal, a beanbag, or even a rolled-up sock. This is your Belly Buddy!Lie down on your back on a comfy, flat spot, like a carpet or a yoga mat.Gently place your Belly Buddy right on your tummy, over your belly button.

Now it's time for your Belly Buddy to go for a ride!Close your eyes if you feel comfortable.Take a long, slow breath in through your nose. Imagine you are smelling a flower. Feel your tummy get bigger and lift your Belly Buddy up, up, up.Hold it for a moment. Hello, Belly Buddy!Now, breathe out slowly through your mouth, like you are blowing out birthday candles. Watch your Belly Buddy gently float back down, down, down as your tummy gets smaller.Repeat this 3-5 times. Notice how calm your body feels.