Balancing Elephants

Home
Balancing Elephants

Providing accessible, evidence-based tools to support healthy minds, open hearts, & regulated bodies.

There are countless stressors on children that disrupt their inner peace – separation anxiety at daycare or school, social pressures, divorce…Help a child you love take control of stress and anxiety with BE Buddy® – an endearing self-regulation and mindfulness tool!

19/05/2025

She did it!! Congratulations to my daughter, on her graduation from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse! 👩‍🎓
We are so proud! ❤️

11/04/2025

Happy World Breathing Day, everyone! 🌬️ Did you know that something you do every single minute of every day is also one of your most powerful (and often overlooked!) tools for well-being?

Seriously, think about it – your breath is connected to everything: how you move, how well you sleep, your digestion, your feelings, even your thoughts, and how you handle stress.

In today's world, where pressure can feel constant, being able to adapt and build resilience is crucial. That's like having a modern-day superpower! 💪 And guess what? Your breath is the most fundamental way to regulate so many of your body's amazing systems.

Imagine your body is an orchestra 🎶 – your diaphragm is the conductor! If your breathing pattern is off-beat, everything else can follow suit. Breathing well always affects you, for better or for worse.

When you tap into your natural breath – the way you breathed when you were a baby – it can have an incredible impact on:

• Posture, stability, and vocal quality
• Digestion
• Sleep
• Regulation of your nervous system (hello, calm!)
• Focus and productivity
• Immune system
• Cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
• Pain processing
• Athletic performance and breathlessness!

So, what does "optimal breathing" look like when you're just chilling? Think low, diaphragmatic breaths, nice and slow (around 8-12 breaths per minute), and through your nose.

🤯 TRY THIS WHEN STRESS TAKES OVER:

Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a simple exercise to shift gears from stressed to restored:

➡️ Inhale slowly and gently through your nose for a count of 4.
➡️ Exhale gently through your nose for a count of 6.
➡️ Repeat this pattern 10 times, or until you feel a sense of calm wash over you.

Let's give our breath the appreciation it deserves today (and every day!).
It's always there for us. ❤️

Want to explore how conscious breathing practices can support your unique wellness journey? Head to the link in my bio – I'd love to connect and share how I can help! ✨

15/11/2024

Did you know? 🤔⁠
⁠
You can teach your kids (and yourself!) how to S.T.O.P. and B.O.P. to manage stress and anxiety! 🧘‍♂️💨⁠
⁠
It's as easy as 1-2-3:⁠
⁠
1️⃣ S.T.O.P. is a simple way to get your body ready for a healthy breath:⁠
⁠
• Shoulders relaxed⁠
• Tummy soft⁠
• Open/close your mouth (encourage nasal breathing)⁠
• Posture tall (but relaxed)🧍‍♀️⁠
⁠
2️⃣ B.O.P. (Breathe on Purpose) with slow, deep breaths.🌬️⁠
⁠
3️⃣ Repeat daily for just 1-2 minutes! 🕗️⁠
⁠
Benefits? ✨ Calmer kids, better focus, less tension, and stronger emotional resilience! 🙌

12/11/2024

Did you know that babies have an incredible, built-in reflex that allows them to hold their breath underwater? 😮 ⁠
⁠
It's called the "diving reflex", an automatic response that helps them survive if submerged in water. 👶💦⁠
⁠
Here's how it works:⁠
⁠
💦 When a baby's face touches water, their heart rate slows.⁠
⁠
💦 They automatically close their airway to prevent water from entering their lungs.⁠
⁠
💦 Their blood vessels constrict, prioritizing oxygen flow to the vital organs.⁠
⁠
This reflex is strongest in babies under six months old and gradually weakens as they age. While it's fascinating and helpful in certain situations (like during infant swim lessons), it's crucial to remember that it's not a substitute for proper supervision around water.

08/11/2024

Huge thanks to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for hosting the incredible Minnesota School Behavioral Health Conference at the beautiful Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd! 🙏

It was an honor to connect with so many passionate providers dedicated to enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of children. The energy and collaboration were truly inspiring! ✨

Let’s continue to work together to create supportive and thriving environments for our youth. 💪

📸 Thank you for capturing this photo

01/11/2024

🍂 Escape to the Pines & Empower Your Students! 🍂⁠
⁠
Join me at the Minnesota School Behavioral Health Conference at Craguns Resort in Brainerd, MN, from November 6-7th! ⁠
⁠
Connect with fellow educators, gain valuable insights, and discover practical strategies to enhance student well-being.⁠
⁠
I'm thrilled to present "Breathe Well: Enhancing Nervous System Resilience." ⁠
⁠
Learn how to:⁠
👉🏼 Reduce stress and anxiety in the classroom.⁠
👉🏼 Integrate breathwork into your sessions.⁠
👉🏼 Build resilience in yourself and your students.⁠
⁠
Plus! Visit my booth to explore the BE Buddy, a unique breathing tool for kids!⁠
⁠
This conference offers:⁠
🗣️ Inspiring speakers⁠
🧘🏽 Interactive workshops⁠
🤝🏽 Networking opportunities⁠
🍂 Beautiful fall scenery! ⁠
⁠
Ready to make a difference? ⁠
Register for the MSBHC today: ➡️⁠ https://mn.gov/dhs/slmh/⁠

Breathe well, Stephanie

28/10/2024

📢 Minnesota School Counselors - Join me in Duluth this Sunday! 📢⁠
⁠
Feeling the end-of-semester crunch? Need some fresh strategies to support your students' well-being?⁠
⁠
Join me for "Breathe Well: Enhancing Nervous System Resilience," where we'll explore the power of breathwork to help students (and ourselves!) regulate emotions, manage stress, and build resilience.⁠
⁠
Here's what you can expect:⁠
➡️ Practical techniques: Learn simple breathing exercises that can be easily integrated into the classroom or counseling sessions.⁠
⁠
➡️ Science-backed strategies: Discover how breathwork impacts the nervous system and promotes emotional well-being.⁠
⁠
➡️ Interactive experience: Participate in guided breathwork practices and leave feeling refreshed and empowered.⁠
⁠
See you there! 👋⁠
⁠
Conference Info: ⬇️⁠
https://www.mnschoolcounselors.org/2024-annual-conference

19/02/2024

Hey there! I just wanted to share something that's been weighing on my mind lately. 😔 Did you know that in 2020, a staggering 5.6 million US children were diagnosed with anxiety? That's a 27% increase from 2016-2019. It's heartbreaking to see these numbers and know that they represent young souls grappling with such heavy emotions. 💔

As parents, we wish we could wave a magic wand and take away all the worries from our children's world. While I haven't found that wand yet, I've discovered something pretty magical in its own right: mindful breathing. 🍃

Why is breathing so powerful?

Science backs it up:

🧠 Reduces stress: Light, slow, & deep breathing signals your brain to calm down, reducing stress levels.

🎯 Improves focus: Conscious breathing helps children focus better, aiding academic and athletic performance.

😴 Enhances sleep: Proper breathing techniques can lead to improved sleep quality.

While our kids can't escape the waves of life, we can equip them with the skills to surf those waves with confidence. And that's where breathwork comes into play.

Ready to empower your child with the magic of breathwork? Snag a spot on my calendar for a free chat: https://calendly.com/stephanie-thebreathingclass/15min 📆

Let's make a change, one breath at a time!
Steph

12/02/2024

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most effective....🌬️⁠
⁠
In the pursuit of wellness, simplicity often holds the key. 🗝️ ⁠
⁠
Embrace the genius within you by discovering the profound impact of something as simple as your breath. 💖⁠
⁠
Take a moment today to appreciate the incredible power of your breath – a natural yet extraordinary gift that holds the potential to transform your health and well-being. 🍃⁠
⁠
Breathe well,⁠
🧡 Steph

06/02/2024

🚨 Last Chance to Enroll in Breathe 4 Empowerment - Just One Day Left! 🚨⁠
⁠
Did you know? A striking 75% of people with anxiety experience dysfunctional breathing, a cycle that can significantly influence stress and well-being (Patrick McKeown, The Breathing Cure). ⁠
⁠
Equally concerning is that while 30% of children and adolescents will confront an anxiety disorder at some point, a staggering 80% may not receive the help they need (Child Mind Institute). ⁠
⁠
Breathwork is more than just an exercise; it's a powerful communicator to our nervous system, capable of quieting the mind, slashing stress levels, and fostering feelings of safety and security. ⁠
⁠
Understanding the link between breathing patterns and stress responses enables us to wield natural yet potent tools for navigating life's uncertainties.⁠
⁠
Give your child the lifelong skills to:⁠
🧘🏽‍♀️ Tackle Anxiety Head-On⁠
🔅 Sharpen Focus⁠
🙋🏻‍♀️ Elevate Confidence⁠
⁠
All by harnessing the transformative power of breathwork.⁠
⁠
This isn't just education; it's empowering your child to adapt and flourish even amidst chaos. But time is ticking...⏳️⁠
⁠
Secure Your Spot NOW! Only ONE DAY left!⁠
⁠
Equip your kids with critical skills for overcoming today’s challenges — sign up for Breathe 4 Empowerment before enrollment closes: https://balancingelephants.com/breathe-4-empowerment-breathwork-training-program/
⁠
Let every breath lead to resilience and assurance in a turbulent world. 💨⁠
⁠
🧡 Steph

06/02/2024

Help your child find calm in the chaos. 🧘🏽‍♀️

If you are still wondering how something as simple as breathing better can help you and your kids manage stress and anxiety. Don’t just take my word for it….

Discover how Mia went from a world of "what ifs" to mastering her worries with just her breath. True story! Our program gave her and countless other kids the tools they need to dial down anxiety and face life with confidence. 🙋🏻‍♀️ Your turn now!

Ready to empower your child (and yourself) against the tidal waves of stress? 🌊

To snag a spot 👉 Click here: https://balancingelephants.com/breathe-4-empowerment-breathwork-training-program/

⏳Join us now—spots are filling up fast! ⏳

Breathe well,
🧡 Steph

05/02/2024

🌀 Reflecting on Our Enlightening Live Q&A Session 🌀⁠
⁠
Swipe 👉 through our carousel post as we share some of the most insightful questions and answers from our recent live Q&A session. Your curiosity brought the conversation to life as we learned how breathing can transform your (and your kids) well-being!⁠
⁠
To ensure no one misses out on these golden nuggets of wisdom, I’ve compiled some of the most insightful questions and answers into a carousel post. Swipe left to explore answers that might just change the way you breathe and live. 🍃⁠
⁠
⁠For those who missed out or wish to learn more—💬 Share your questions in the comments or shoot me a DM. I’d love to hear from you!⁠
⁠
⏰ Only 2-Days Left to Transform Your Life with Breathe 4 Empowerment! ⁠
⁠
The countdown has begun, and time is slipping away...⏳️⁠
⁠
This isn't merely a course; it's the key to unlocking a life where stress and anxiety no longer hold power over you or your loved ones.💪🏼⁠
⁠
Envision a life where calm days lead into peaceful nights, and your family grows stronger together through the simple power of breathing. This future is possible, but it requires action today.⁠
⁠
Head to the link here: https://balancingelephants.com/breathe-4-empowerment-breathwork-training-program/

Embark on this life-changing journey toward harmony, strength, and empowerment.⁠
⁠
👉 Secure your spot today. The door closes soon - and won't open again for some time. ⁠
⁠
Breathe well,⁠
🧡 Steph

Address

11000 Craguns Drive

56401

Website

http://www.balancingelephants.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balancing Elephants posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic?

Country:

City:

Our Story

Balancing= an ongoing process towards stability and harmony in the face of change.

Elephants=known for their patience, strength, calmness, and wisdom.

Balancing Elephants, Inc. (“BE”) offers resources and mindfulness tools and practices to empower kids to feel balanced and strong in their mind, body, and heart. The BE Buddy, our latest product, is a multisensory beanbag animal that helps children self-calm and self-regulate! BE Buddies can be used to encourage deep, focused breathing, groundedness and relaxation and their adorable faces will quickly make them one of your child’s favorite stuffed companions. With the BE Buddy and through breathing, movement, games, stories and relaxation, your kids can learn how to identify and manage emotions to counterbalance stress and anxiety and to develop lasting self-care habits, communication skills and compassion towards self and others.

Mission: to inspire and empower students with tools to build focus, strength, and compassion towards self and others.