Spotlight on…Janey Mondal

You are undertaking a diploma in ‘breath work’…

I have personally been practising breath work and conscious breathing for four years now and I have found it has helped me in so many ways, from calming anxiety, feeling more empowered and confident to gaining a deeper understanding of myself. I wanted to take this work further, so I decided to undertake the diploma last year to experience more and gain further knowledge. During the past year I began to realise the strong links between children’s emotional well-being, breath work and the supportive role parents and practitioners can have using conscious breathing.

What does ‘conscious breathing’ mean?

Conscious breathing is the practice of breathing with awareness, intention and attention to your breath and body in the present moment. The International Breathwork Foundation states that conscious breathing can be as simple as a few minutes’ exercise to promote mental focus and relax the body. It can be practised by all ages in all circumstances including schools, the workplace, hospitals, and during periods of stress. When used regularly, It can help people develop the skill of relaxation.

You advise parents to practise ‘breathing activities’ with their children…

When we pay attention to our breath and breathe deeply and fully, we move out of our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and into our parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation and receptivity). This induces calm and sends signals through the body that all is well and safe. In a place of calm, we are more able to understand and manage our emotions.

Try gently blowing feathers so they dance over your hands, blowing as many bubbles as possible with one long breath, blowing a pinwheel, or breathing in the smell of a flower and then breathing out through the mouth with a long sigh as it smelt so good.