Hi, I'm Oti and today we're going to recharge by breathing away our worries with some slow, gentle movements.
First of all, imagine yourself as a huge, powerful eagle.
We're going to soar through the sky.
But first, we need to get ready for flight.
Stand with both feet planted on the ground.
Bend your knees slightly with your wings by your side.
Now take a deep breath in through your nose and out through the mouth.
And as you breathe in.
Raise your wings to the sky.
Nice and slowly.
Now drop your wings back down as you breathe out and do it again.
Sometimes we can have big feelings which make us feel a little bit worried.
When I feel like this, I like to slow everything down, take deep breaths, and by adding some movement, it helps me to breathe all my worries away.
Now let's get ready to fly, stretch one wing up and one to the earth as you breathe in and then switch directions as you breathe out.
Sometimes we can feel nervous about what's to come.
So say with me, I can breathe calmly.
Altogether, I can breathe calmly.
Now let's get our legs ready for lift-off.
Take your wings and run them down your back and the backs of your legs.
Run to the feet and then hold them there.
Sometimes we feel like we're not good enough.
We make mistakes and everyone else is better than we are.
This time say it with me.
I am powerful and I can bounce back.
Ready? I am powerful and I can bounce back.
Now it's time to fly.
Keep your legs wide.
Knees bent.
Slowly bring one wing forward and the other one back.
Now let's get faster and faster.
So sometimes we might feel different to other people.
Now say it with me.
I am unique. Ready?
I am unique.
Now it's time to fly.
Stretch onto your tiptoes.
Reach up, then throw your wings behind you and imagine you are soaring up to the sky.
Now land on top of the tree and take a deep breath in and out.
And take in the beautiful view.
Say with me.
I am brave and I can do anything.
Ready? I am brave and I can do anything.
Well done, everyone.
I feel so much calmer now.
With our slow, gentle movements I really feel like I let go of all my worries.
They might not go away forever, but I was able to breathe them away with you.
Let's say together I feel calm.
Ready? I feel calm.
Stay calm everyone. Bye.
TV Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse inspires pupils to explore breathwork and conscious movement by imagining themselves as an eagle ready to take flight.
To combat big feelings that can sometimes make us feel worried, pupils are encouraged to repeat positive affirmations and to breathe their worries away.
This calming activity can help primary school pupils to reduce anxiety, increase focus, and improve balance and flexibility.
Taking some time out to slow down can help our bodies and minds to grow strong and flourish.
Teacher Notes
Teachers can use this activity to help pupils recognise when they need to slow down, or take some time to stop, to help them to feel calm. It's important to listen to what our bodies are telling us through how we are feeling.
We advise teachers and parents to review the Moodboosters video prior to showing it to children at school or home, and consider the activity’s suitability for space, accessibility requirements and how it may be received by pupils.
Teachers should ensure that the learning environment is safe and supportive for all pupils during viewing, especially when they are asked to share ideas, feelings and emotions.
Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Curriculum Notes
Moodboosters classroom resources can be used for teaching primary school pupils aged 5 -11 PSHE in England, Health and Wellbeing in Wales and Scotland, and PDMU in Northern Ireland, and to support with Ofsted, Estyn and Education Scotland requirements.
More from Recharge:
Power Off. video
Dr Ranj Singh slows things down and gets pupils to be present and recognise when they're tense to help them feel calmer and more focused.
A Moment in Nature. video
TV Presenter Rhys Stephenson encourages primary school pupils to employ all of their senses to enable them to deal with the day ahead.
Balance and Be. video
Olympian Bethany Shriever guides children using visualisation techniques to experiment how changing thoughts can affect our balance, mentally and physically.
Take It Slow. video
Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden mimics a sloth and combines imagination and yoga-inspired poses to help children relax.
Jungle Stretch. video
CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill uses slow, still and dynamic movements to encourage flexibility and mindfulness in children.
Self-Belief Warriors. video
Dr Ranj Singh leads pupils through a series of strong and empowering poses, helping to create positive mindsets and develop feelings of self-worth.
LOL Time. video
CBBC presenters Rhys Stephenson and Joe Tasker lead this fun activity that encourages children to work in pairs and make their partner laugh.
Meditation Station - Feeling Thankful. video
Ade Adepitan introduces techniques to teach children how to control their breathing to regulate feelings and emotions.
Pirouette to Peace. video
Evie Pickerill and Oti Mabuse teach some basic ballet moves that encourage primary school children to slow down, pause and take a break.
More from Moodboosters:
Boost. collection
Energetic, movement-based activities promoting self-confidence in children by encouraging them to use movement and positive thinking to build self-esteem.
Connect. collection
Fun, movement-based activities for children centring on relationships and how to recognise emotions in others through empathy.
Imagine. collection
Learning activities to promote creativity and optimism in children whilst encouraging them to use their imagination to envision their goals and aspirations.
Teacher's guide
Curriculum-linked ideas and tips about how you can use Moodboosters with your class during the school day.
Watch again - our live launch. video
Watch highlights as children from around the nations join together for a big mood-boosting moment.
About Moodboosters
Everything you need to know about our initiative to get KS1 / KS2 pupils moving for mental health and wellbeing.
