The Pause Breath Life Tool
Today’s stress buster tip for youth is the pause breath. The benefits of finding the quiet spot at the top of your breath include:
Reduced feelings of stress and anxiety
Enhanced inner awareness
A distraction from negative thought loops
3 chair stretches combined with the pause breath.
To practice this breath, inhale through the nose to fill the body with oxygen. Count a one second pause and recognize the silence. Slowly empty the breath. With practice, increase the length of the pause to 3 counts or more.
Classroom Chair Stretches Combined with the Pause Breath
Overhead Arm Stretch with Flexed Toes On the inhale and bring both arms over your head while flexing your toes. PAUSE THE BREATH FOR 1 COUNT. As you exhale, glide your arms to your sides with relaxed toes. Repeat 3X while counting the pause.
Table Top to Child Pose Place both hands on a chair and walk your feet back. As you inhale, bring your shoulders forward over your wrists. PAUSE THE BREATHE FOR 1 COUNT. As you exhale, shift your hips back. Lift the opposite leg and arm on the inhale for a balance challenge. Repeat 3X while counting the pause.
Warrior One with V Arms/Crossed Arms Step your right leg behind you with your toe pointed away. Breathe in and bend your front knee while making a V shape with your arms above your head. PAUSE THE BREATH FOR 1 COUNT. As you exhale, cross your arms over your heart. Repeat 3X while counting the pause.
Kindergarten Lesson from Powerful You Primary teaches the skill of taking a pause breath.
Practice these stretches on your own. When you become comfortable, teach one of them before your Powerful You lesson. With time and practice, you will become an expert of the pause breath. Powerful You!
A mat yoga video taken from the digital course Self-Built Teens
The Powerful You Elementary Counselor Kit was created to keep your favorite Powerful You tools together in one easy-to-carry bag so you are always ready to support students.
Perfect for School counselors, educators, interventionists, and student support teams.
What’s Included
Intermediate Bundle (Grades 2+)
Powerful You Book
26 8.5×11 Laminated Role-Playing Cards
26 Classroom Skill Signs
Primary Bundle (Grades K–1)
26 8.5×11 Laminated Role-Playing Cards
26 Classroom Skill Signs
Digital Resources
26 Primary Brag Tags
26 Social & Emotional Thinking Maps for writing
Free online Breathe & Stretch videos
26 Primary videos
26 Intermediate videos
Mindfulness & Regulation Tools
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach Yoga activities (Grades K+)
Laminated Breathe and Stretch Sign
Tennessee Transition Chime
Feelings Chart
Powerful You Feelings Bag
Counseling & Life Change Support
Self-Talk Power When You’re in a Pickle
5-Step problem-solving guide for individual counseling (Grades 3+)Powerful You In the Middle Cookie Game
Supports changing family groups/divorce transitions (Grades K+)
Bonus Items
50 “I Am” stickers
Why Counselors Love It
Grab-and-go support kit
Ready for classroom lessons or counseling groups
Helps students regulate emotions
Builds confidence and self-talk
Supports divorce, transitions, and problem solving
Saves prep time for busy counselors
Perfect For
Elementary school counselors
MTSS / SEL support teams
Teachers
Small groups
Individual counseling
Calm corners
One Kit. Many Needs. Real Impact.
The Powerful You Elementary Counselor Kit helps children build coping skills, confidence, emotional vocabulary, and resilience in fun, meaningful ways.