Breathe Deeply

Your teen has a switch in their body that can trigger relaxation, and they can turn it on with breathing techniques. Teach them to control their breathing by sitting down and practicing while they’re calm. Sit in a comfortable position with their hands on their knees. Have them breathe in to the count of 4, letting their lungs fill, pause, and then breathe out to the count of 8. It will take several rounds of 4/8 breathing before they feel themselves calm, but it’s empowering to know they have a tool that can trigger relaxation any time they want.

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