Grounding techniques are for aerial yoga are essentially mindfulness techniques. They work by “grounding “you in the present moment. Grounding techniques help children to distance themselves from difficult emotions. When your child experiences a negative event or memory, it can active the “fight or flight” response. This response is meant to protect you from danger by allowing you to fight or flee the dangerous event, since memories are not an inherent danger, the response does not need to present itself, but it does as your brain doesn’t know it’s just a memory. Impressively, studies consistently show mindfulness can make powerful changes in the brain. Grounding tips for aerial yoga are a fundamental aspect of teaching aerial yoga to children. Grounding techniques can help your child self-regulate, by returning to the present moment.
Mindful Check-In
This is a common grounding (mindfulness) technique. It helps your child to be in the moment by reconnecting to all five senses.
The mindful check-in is a quick grounding and coping skills exercise. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom.
10 – Take 10 breaths in Child’s Pose
9 – Tighten your hands to fists, count to 9, relax
8 – Name 8 things that are YELLOW in this room
7 – Balance in Tree Pose for 7 breaths, each leg.
6 – Name 6 things that are square in this room
5 – Take 5 deep breaths in Down Dog
4 – Name 4 things that make you feel calm.
3 – In Forward Fold, name 3 sounds you hear.
2 – Name 2 people you are grateful for.
1 – Take 1 Elevator Breath. Notice how you feel.
Want to Learn More About Grounding Techniques for Aerial Yoga?
Want to learn more ways to teach grounding techniques for aerial yoga? Join us for our Mindful Child Teacher Training. Our FUN brain-based approach, will teach you the ways kid’s aerial yoga and mindfulness is beneficial to the brain and body. Our unique classes utilize evidence-based tools to teach social and emotional learning and mindfulness. Join us for a teacher training live or online. Or read my book, Mindfulness for Children,Want your own hammock? Email us (info@mindfulchildaerialyoga.com) for details on buying a Mindful Child aerial yoga hammock.