Be Kind to Your Mind: Relaxation Strategies

Be Kind to Your Mind introduces ten simple relaxation strategies, including slow breathing, coloring, walking, writing about feelings, and talking with someone trusted. It encourages patience and practice while providing space to add personal ideas for relaxing. A suggested audience is school-age children, approximately ages 6 and up, as well as teens and adults, with adult guidance for younger children. For ages 6–9, a parent or teacher could practice counting slowly or coloring alongside a child before a stressful situation. For ages 10–12, the worksheet could help students choose strategies for handling test worries or friendship difficulties, while teens and adults could use it to create a personal relaxation plan. Teachers, counselors, and caregivers can invite participants to try different approaches, discuss what feels helpful, and keep the sheet somewhere accessible as a reminder.