Breathing Games are a playful, engaging way to help people learn self-regulation through mindful breathing.
Deep, slow breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, one of the main connections between brain and body, which helps to shift the body from “fight/flight” into a calmer “rest/digest” state. It doesn’t matter what the breath is – it’s about breathing with purpose!
What are breathing games?
Breathing Games use imagination, movement, and fun to make breathing accessible and enjoyable. Instead of asking a child to “take a deep breath” (which can feel a bit abstract or pressured), we bring it into play to encourage curiosity and connection.
Why are breathing games important?
Breathing games are a great way of supporting emotional regulation, especially among children. They:
- help to regulate the nervous system
- encourage self-awareness
- help to develop self-regulating skills
- support emotional safety, by removing pressure and finding fun
- encourage co-regulation where adults can model calm and connection
What are the benefits:
- Creates a feeling of calm, moving the body out of “flight or flight” mode.
- Accessible anywhere – we can use these games in almost any environment and they require no equipment.
- Builds self-esteem and control by giving children a concrete tool to manage big feelings.
- Encourages conscious reflection of body signals like heart rate and muscle tension.
Top tips for breathing games!
- Keep the instructions obvious and clear – “breath deeply” doesn’t work for many children!
- Keep it short and playful – 30 seconds to two minutes for younger children
- Use all the senses – this might mean using pictures, objects, music, story-telling or movement
- Make it a routine – breathing can become a familiar tool, not just an emergency skill
How to use breathing games.
Why not try some of our games at home or when you are out and about! We have different games for different ages – check them out here:
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