Recent research carried out by the Cambridge-based Primary Review states many schoolchildren are suffering from ‘deep anxiety’ and are just as overwhelmed as their parents by the messages, instructions and choices thrown at them each day.

A child’s fragile and still-developing brain is less suited to handling stress and negative emotions such as fear, anger, sadness or sorrow, particularly over longer periods of time. Tension is bad for concentration, it can affect performance in school, interaction with adults and peers and the way the child perceives themselves.

A relaxed child is able to think more constructively and positively. Relaxation provides the child the opportunity and space to step back to reflect on issues that affect their lives as well as the vocabulary to talk about what’s bothering them. Subsequently behaviour can be vastly improved as the child is given the scope to recognise and respond to feelings in positive ways.

Teaching children simple relaxation techniques is one of the keys to helping them grow up in a balanced and well rounded way.