07/10/2025
When we’re stressed, our breathing changes.
We start to take quick, shallow breaths — using only a small part of our lung capacity. This means less oxygen reaches the brain, and the prefrontal cortex (the part that helps us think clearly, make decisions and stay calm) goes offline.
Deep breathing helps bring it back online.
By slowing down and filling the lungs completely, we send a signal of safety to the body. More oxygen flows to the brain, helping us re-engage the pre-frontal cortex and move from ‘react’ mode back into ‘respond’ mode — calmer, clearer, and more in control.
Breathing prompts are included in our toolkit below.
FOLLOW for more in our series When Worries Take Over until 12 October 2025.
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Toolkit to accompany our new series:
When Worries Take Over: Supporting Children With Everyday Worries
The Toolkit for Parents & Educators contains parent information sheets which capture the content of our posts over the series as well as tools, resources and activities to support them young person.
Electronic download available at link in comments or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.