3 Breathe Easy Breathing exercises are an excellent method for alleviating stress and anxiety. What I like about using breathing techniques, is that it forces you to pause for a few minutes, which can offer you a sense of control in difficult moments. With a variety of techniques available, you can select the one that suits you best. I wanted to specifically highlight two common techniques that are quick and easy to practice." Box Breathing: Visualize a box where each breath represents one side of the square. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four as you imagine progressing up the left side of the square, hold your breath for another four along the top of the square, exhale for four as you move down the right side of the box, then pause for a final count of four to return to the start point. Continue for a few rounds, focusing on maintaining an even rhythm. 4–7–8 Breathing: Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, and hold your breath for a count of seven. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for a count of eight, aiming for a gentle, complete exhale. Repeat this sequence three to four times, allowing yourself to fully relax. Explore our monthly Mindful Mondays program this summer! Fun with Youth & Teen Services The Calm Corner - from our Library Social Worker How to Make Cloud Dough You will need: • One part lotion or hair conditioner • One part corn starch • A mixing bowl • A spoon • A space you can get a little messy! • Optional: food coloring Cloud dough is a simple, two-ingredient moldable dough that has the same consistency and texture of kinetic sand. When you hold it in your hands, it warms up and is soft. You can stretch it and shape it! When you leave it alone, it stiffens up and becomes hard! Instructions: 1. Put your lotion or hair conditioner in a bowl. If you want to use food coloring, put in a few drops now and mix. 2. Begin spooning in your corn starch and stirring it in a little at a time. 3. Continue adding corn starch until you have a dough! It should become stiff but still moldable. Use your hands to knead in the final spoonfuls of corn starch! 4. If it’s too hard, add more lotion or conditioner. If it’s runny, add a little more corn starch. Reading Suggestions from Carly & Holly: Books to go along with your cloud adventures: Cool Doughs, Putties, Slimes & Goops by Rebecca Felix Salt Dough Fun by Brigitte Casagranda Play-Doh by Grace Hansen
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