Starfish Breathing Exercise

🎂 4 + years ⏱️ 10 min 📍 Anywhere ⭐ easy

Imagine you are a little starfish living deep in the calm sea. Down there, it is quiet, and the water around you is cool and gentle. You can hear the waves above you, but they don't disturb you. You are completely relaxed. Just like a starfish that gently rests in the sea all day, you can also learn to breathe calmly and relaxed. Starfish breathing is a simple breathing exercise that helps you let go of stress and focus on the here and now. It’s especially good when you want to calm down after a tiring day or when you want to concentrate better. With this exercise, you will learn how to consciously and calmly direct your breath. Just like the starfish, which lets the seawater flow through its body.

How it works

Sit or lie down comfortably. Imagine you are a starfish resting on a rock in the sea. Stretch out your arms and legs like a starfish. Close your eyes if you like, and picture yourself lying in the gentle water.
Now breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Imagine a starfish taking in the clear seawater into its body. Count to four in your mind: One, two, three, four. Feel the fresh oxygen filling your entire body, just like the water fills the starfish.
Now slowly breathe out through your mouth. Imagine the starfish releasing the water again, calmly and peacefully. Count to four again: One, two, three, four. Feel yourself becoming calmer and letting go of everything heavy.
Repeat this breathing several times. With each inhale, imagine you are taking in new strength and calm from the sea. With each exhale, let go of everything that might be weighing you down or distracting you. You will notice how relaxed and light you feel afterward, just like a starfish.
After a few rounds of starfish breathing, stay still for a moment. Feel how relaxed your body is. You are now as calm and peaceful as a starfish resting in the sea.
Starfish breathing helps you stay calm in stressful moments and recharge your energy. Try the exercise whenever you want to calm down. Whether after school, before sleeping, or just in between. You will see how good it feels to take a deep breath.