Students at Naples Park Elementary learn coping strategies through mindful breathing, stretching and positive self-talk

As published in the Naples Daily News Newspaper:

“Keep breathing and keep trying.” “I can adjust to change.” These are some of the positive self-talk statements you will hear during Julie Frizzi’s mindful breathing and stretching classes at Naples Park Elementary, one of 43 Blue Zone Project Approved schools in Southwest Florida.

Guidance counselor, children’s book author, and edu-cator for over thirty years, Julie has been teaching these classes twice a month to students in kindergarten through 5th grade. “During each of these sessions, children practice deep breathing while enjoying the benefits of yoga stretches,” says Julie. “After igniting the brain with breathing and stretching, children are taught a social emotional lesson from my book ‘Powerful You.’ ” This includes story sharing, coping strategies, reflective questions, and positive self- talk. “These lessons help children under-stand that no matter what has happened to them in life, they have the internal power to shine bright,” she says.

Mindful breathing and stretching are known to help reduce stress and anxiety which seems to be on the rise among chil-dren and adolescents. In fact, statistics published on the CDC website state that 7.1% of children ages 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety, and children ages 6-17 years ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression in- creased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–20121 .

“The most organic and economical calming tool that is easily accessed by humans is deep breathing,” says Julie. “This skill must be practiced, however, while students are feeling calm so they access it when they are stressed.” Julie has had students report they use these strategies at home when they have difficulties with siblings and on the playground at school.

Aside from a calming tool, Julie points out that grit, focus, joy and self-regulation are key benefits students receive from participation. “It is known that when you try some- thing new your brain grows,” she says. “I love it when a student who usually gives up shouts out, “I DID IT,” while trying a new pose.”

Focusing is a powerful tool gained by breathing and stretching. Julie acknowledges that “in order to balance on one foot, students practice staying “in the zone” by keeping their eyes on one object in front of them while breathing. Students become aware of noises and thoughts that distract them and learn how to cope with them in class.”

Julie also encourages stress reduction, emotional wellness, and resilience for teachers. A 2017 national survey from the American Federation of Teachers reports that the majority of American teachers feel stressed at work, and the number citing poor mental health has jumped alarmingly in a two-year time span. “I invite the teachers to participate during classroom guidance lessons and offer a teacher guidance group to practice mindful breathing while performing gentle stretches once a week before school,” says Julie. “They report it promotes energy and calmness to finish the day.”

The key to success in Julie’s classes is consistent practice. “I am deeply committed to developing emotional wellness in children and equipping educators and leaders to sup- port this growth,” she says. To learn how to become a Blue Zones Project Approved school, visit BlueZonesProject.com or email Blue Zones Project South- west Florida Schools and Youth Coordinator, Joseph Stoner at Joseph.Stoner@share- care.com