06/17/2026
Middle school can be a stressful time for adolescents. While managing more challenging workload demands, they also grapple with anxiety brought on by larger issues like forming their identity and gaining independence. These emotions can be difficult to experience but are easier with relaxation skills. As highlighted in the video, stress and anxiety often produce physical sensations due to our flight, fight, or freeze response. Effective relaxation skills like paced belly breathing help to calm the body and turn down the intensity of that emotion.
Encourage your middle schooler to watch this video about emotions. Even better — watch it with your middle schooler and discuss these key findings together:
1️⃣ Belly breathing is breathing slowly and deeply at a steady pace. By slowing their inhales and extending their exhales, your child can use their breath to harness control of their emotions.
2️⃣ Belly breathing balances out the carbon dioxide and oxygen in kids' bodies, cutting off their fight, flight, or freeze response. It returns their mind and body to a calmer state.
All information provided by the Child Mind Institute — https://fb.com/ChildMindInstitute
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