Feeling Calm with Pokey

Hi friends, it's Pokey. Last time we learned my bedtime routine. Today, here in my sunny garden, we'll learn three ways to feel calm. How does your body feel right now?

First, a belly breath. Rest a paw on your tummy, just like me. Breathe in slowly through your nose. Can you feel your belly puff up like a balloon?

Now breathe out slowly, like you're cooling a warm cup of soup. Feel your belly sink gently down. Slow and steady, breathe with me. One more time, in, and out.

Here are five smooth pebbles. Counting down helps us slow down. Let's whisper the numbers together, five, four, three, two, one. How many pebbles did we count?

Now let your whole body go soft, like a floppy noodle. Arms flop, legs flop, even your face goes soft. Are your shoulders loose and floppy too?

Peaceful and still. You can close your eyes for a moment, if you like, and just listen. What quiet sounds can you hear around you?

Bye for now, my peaceful friend. When you have big feelings, try a belly breath, or count down from five. You could teach a grown-up how, tonight. See you next time.