
Keeping Calm - Building Resilience with Hunter and Eve
Hunter and Eve
2 mins 33 secs
Ages 5 - 10

In this video, Hunter learns how to manage his fear and anxiety by practicing controlled breathing. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to use controlled breathing to calm down and think clearly in stressful situations.
"Hi, Hunter! Whoa, easy, Hunter! What's wrong?" "Fire! There's a fire! I'm already late for dinner, and it's getting dark, and there's a fire in my way!" "These? They're just fireflies. You're safe, Hunter." "Fireflies? Oh. Hey, you're probably right. There's a fire in my way. I don't know what to do." "You're pretty shaken up, aren't you?" "I guess so. I thought they were sparks. See? They look like sparks." "It's okay, Hunter. I understand. It can be hard to calm down when you're scared. Want to know what helps me when I'm scared?" "Yeah, that'd be really good." "When I'm scared and need to calm myself, I focus on my breathing." "But I am breathing." "I see that, buddy. Let's just slow it down a bit, okay? Here, let me show you how controlled breathing helps you calm down. Step one is to put your hands on your belly and breathe in nice and deep. Slowly count to three as you breathe in through your nose. Feel your stomach rise. Three-second inhale through the nose. Great job. Now step two. Slowly exhale through your mouth." "I feel a little better." "Good. Step three will make you feel even better." "Step three?" "Yep. Step three is to repeat steps one and two until you feel calmer. Once you're calm, you'll be able to think more clearly about what's going on around you." "Did you hear something? Dinner! I'm late, and it's getting dark!" "Okay, we need to get you home. But you're getting excited again. You know what to do." "Oh, yeah. Exactly. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Nice, long breaths. Feel your stomach rise and fall. Much better. Great. Okay, let's get you home." "Hmm, you're right. It is getting dark. Hey, you guys. A little help? Home. Safe and sound." "Any steps for what to say to your mom when you're late for dinner?" "You're on your own with that one. Be sure to keep breathing. Good night." "Good night. Thank you. Good night. Good night."