Heart Warming Practices for Kids
Here are a few of my favorite Heart Warming Practices that I have used to warm the heart, keep it strong and open it up to all possibilities.*
Go outside everyday - Breathe fresh air, look at nature, watch the sun set, or rise. Just being outside for at least 30 minutes can change your outlook and warm the heart. Even when it’s cold! Just bundle up. Even when it’s raining? Take an umbrella. And remember…”No rain, no rainbows.”
Exercise - Walk, run, dance, hike, bike, or prance. Get the circulation going and the heart pumping oxygen rich blood through the body. It keeps the body warm and healthy. Dancing to fun music really gets me going in the morning.
Drink Hot Tea - A soothing cup of tea warms the body from the inside, but it also keeps the heart and mind full of kindness and compassion. Holding a warm cup of yummy tea while having a conversation with another person brings a warm feeling to the heart and soul.
Give a hug - Hugs! A 20 second hug with a loved one (person or pet) releases endorphins in the brain to bring about warm happy feelings for yourself and others.
Gratitude Breathing - Giving thanks and gratitude for ourselves, others and everything we have can bring a heart warming feeling.
Gratitude Breathing
Begin in Easy Pose
Breathe in and reach up your arms up over your head
Name something you are grateful for, “I am grateful for ME!”
Bring hands together, palms touching over head
Breathing out, bring hands to heart center
Send thoughts of gratitude out to the universe
Check out more breathing practices here: 8 Breathing Practices to Settle Big Emotions
Write Thank/Appreciation You Cards - Take a few moments to write a few cards to people that you are grateful for and appreciate in your life. You can also, call or text them happy thoughts to let them know that you are thinking of them.
Check out other gratitude practices here: 12 Gratitude Practices for Kids
Laugh - Laughter also creates a better outlook on life. There is a practice called laughter meditation. Laughing releases endorphins in the brain, connects you to another person, and just feels good.
Cry - Yes, cry. Crying releases endorphins in the brain, and allows you to let go of anything that is holding you back. A good cry can be healing and relieving. Don’t hold back the tears, just let them flow.
Rest and Relaxation - Self care is so important and we need more of it. Taking time to get plenty of rest, like taking a nap, sleeping in, or going to bed early, can make a big difference on your happiness.
Be Creative - Find a art or craft that you enjoy. Take time to create something beautiful with your own two hands.
Journal - Writing down your thoughts, whatever they may be, is releasing. Get the unpleasant thoughts out, they are holding you back and keeping you down. After that there will be more space to bring in the new!
Love and kindness meditation - Sitting in stillness and thinking of a loved one (person or pet) and letting that feeling fill you up is the best! I practiced this meditation for a time and could notice the results over time. Check out this meditation and more here.
*Disclaimer. While these Heart Warming Practices are meant sooth a person’s mindset for a time, they are not a replacement for professional help. If you are experiencing overwhelming sadness, or symptoms of depression, seek the support and guidance of a professional mental health provider.
Ms. Brandon, RCYT, RYT500, holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Western Carolina University, is a highly qualified educator, and has 20 years' experience working with children and children with special needs.
