Breath of Joy

One of the things I like to share with my students is breath of joy. Breath of joy is something I learned in a yoga session many years ago. It is a great way to rejuvenate yourself and your students. I use it in drama lessons, during transition times and whenever we feel sluggish with low energy. One of my students dubbed it a ‘brain snack’ because it brings more oxygen to your brain. This easy, invigorating breath expands your lung capacity and usually creates a tingling sensation in your body. 
It always encouraging a new flow of energy throughout your entire body. It also requires a little bit of silliness and the ability to let loose (literally) as you may feel slightly vulnerable when demonstrating what a breath of joy looks like. The first time you may feel rather ridiculous especially when you are being filmed ( watch the video clip below). Without fail though, you will be left with whole class giggles, smiles and crackling new energy.

How to do it:

1. Stand up and spread your arms out to the sides. I ask the students to take up bubble space. 
Safety first so no one gets a slap to the face with a flailing arm.

2.Exhale completely.

3.Take three quick snorts through your nose.

4.Simultaneously throw your arms up over your head, then out to the sides and up over your head again like a crazy orchestra conductor.

5.Exhale through your mouth with a big audible sigh as you lean forward over your bent knees and stretch your arms out to the sides. Imagine you that you're taking a bow. Let your torso cascade forward like a waterfall. 

6. Inhale slowly roll back up to a standing position. Pause to close your eyes and experience the sensations moving through your entire body.

7. Ask yourself or your students to note how you feel and compare your levels of energy before your ‘breathe of joy’ or ‘brain snack’  and after.

8. Aim to do three to four rounds.

For this week's Mindset Monday post, I'd like to challenge you all to try something new. Give the breath of joy a go and try it out on your own, with your students, or with a group of teachers. 

Strive to have fun, connect with your breath, and remain present. 

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