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Stress is familiar to adults in the hustle and bustle of modern society but is also increasingly encroaching on the vocabulary of our young.
Alice Brown discusses using combined movement and relaxation as a regular anti-stress strategy.
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It is not uncommon for a preschooler to come up to me and say 'Mrs. Brown, I'm feeling stresssssssed today'. Our early childhood classrooms are often places where silence, and the connection with our bodies and self, is limited. Although adults are offered a variety of remedies for alleviating stress many of us are unsure how to support children experiencing stress. Fortunately this is slowly changing with early childhood educators and community organisations now incorporating stress management and holistic health and wellbeing techniques into their curriculum (Thomas, 2002; Wenig, 2003).
Flying on clouds
Although the benefits of simple movements which include breathing, internal focus, concentration and relaxation have been experienced in certain cultures for thousands of years, only recently have the benefits been considered for children (Hartshorn, et al., 2001). A combination of these elements can be integrated and modified for the daily routines of young children through to teenagers. Sessions can range from several minutes to half an hour.
'Flying on clouds' is a term I use for a collection of modified movements that originate from the techniques and philosophy of Pilates, tai chi, yoga, relaxation, meditation and massage, all focusing on the need to support the mind-body connection.
Using a combination of several methods encourages children's awareness of their body's signals, in terms of physical health and emotional needs. It also provides children with the opportunity to play with imagery like 'hugging the moon', 'moving like tigers', 'swaying like trees' or experiencing magic carpet rides.
Benefits for incorporating a collection of 'mind & body' elements into the day include:
- supporting movement
- increasing strength
- heightening self-awareness
- relaxation
- encouraging imagination and creativity
- developing a sense of calm
- centredness
- alleviating stress.
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Relaxation and visualisation techniques
Relaxation and visualisation provide wonderful opportunities for children to release tension caused by stress. There are a variety of different techniques that educators can use which include breathing exercises, positive affirmations, imagery (e.g. going on a journey, thinking of a peaceful place). Or relaxing and tensing different parts of their body.
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Finding the right combination
Although the movements used with children originate from varied disciplines most teachers choose to modify these according to the children's ages and interests.
Think about using puppets or imagery to help children associate with a move and focus on the posture behind a move. In this image you can see the star pose modified to a 'butterfly pose' using a prop to help with this association.
Whether it's in the classroom, or in a beautiful garden, consider sharing the ideas of 'flying on clouds' with the children in your care!
Alice Brown
Faculty of Education
University of South Queensland
Email: browna@usq.edu.au
References
Hartshorn, K., Olds, L., Field, T., Delage, J., Cullen, C., & Escalona, A. (2001). Creative movement therapy benefits children with autism. Early Child and Development and Care, (166), 1-5.
Thomas, P. (2002). The magic of relaxation: Tai Chi and visualisation exercises for young children, Baulkham Hills: Pademelon Press.
Wenig, M. (2003). Yogakids, educating the whole child through yoga. New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
Patrice Thomas' The magic of relaxation: Tai Chi and visualisation exercises for young children is a quality-assured guide to non-competitive, nurturing techniques that children of all ages can enjoy. It is available from Early Childhood Australia for $43.95 (including postage and handling).
To order, or to find out more, visit www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/sund69 or freecall 1800 356 900.
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