Breathing Cards
Explore how breathing exercises can help an individual feel connected to their body. The exercises send a message to the brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to the individual’s body. Breathing techniques can help a person learn how to focus on controlled breathing. Controlled breathing may help a person who is experiencing stress and anxiety. It helps to calm a person’s mind, re-center their body, and facilitate emotional regulation. Provide these breathing cards in the self-regulation area of the classroom, on a student’s desk as daily reminders to just “breathe”, or in a variety of school environments as portable visual supports. They can also be helpful in the home and/or work environment.
For further information about supporting individuals with anxiety and stress, consider these book suggestions from our lending library:
- When My Autism Gets Too Big by Buron, Kari Dunn
- When My Worries Get Too Big by Buron, Kari Dunn
- Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety by Merrell, K.W.
- What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Huebner, Dawn
Examples

Breathing Cards
Breathing Cards Abstract Circle 1
Download | Format: PDF | Size: 6 MB
Breathing Cards Abstract Circle 2
Download | Format: PDF | Size: 6 MB
Breathing Cards Blank
Download | Format: PDF | Size: < 1 MB
Breathing Cards Circle and Writing
Download | Format: PDF | Size: 5 MB
Breathing Cards Circle Template
Download | Format: PDF | Size: 5 MB
Breathing Cards Square
Download | Format: PDF | Size: 6 MB
Download all these files as a ZIP file