Humming Bee Breath

A yoga-based breathing technique where students exhale slowly while making a soft hum with the mouth closed. The vibration and long exhale help calm the nervous system and focus attention after activity.

How to play

1. Students sit on yoga mats cross-legged or kneeling, with a tall spine and relaxed shoulders (0.5 min).
2. The teacher explains and demonstrates: inhale through the nose, then exhale with the mouth closed making a soft, steady "mmm" like a bee (0.5 min).
3. First round of five breaths with eyes closed, noticing the vibration in the lips and face (1.5 min).
4. Second round of five breaths, gently covering the ears with the thumbs or index fingers to hear the sound from the inside (1.5 min).
5. One minute of silent, natural breathing, noticing how the body feels (1 min).
6. Wrap-up: each student holds up one to five fingers to show how relaxed they feel (1 min).

Rules

• Keep the hum soft; it's not a contest to be louder than your neighbor.
• Cover the ears with light pressure, never putting fingers inside them.
• If anyone feels dizzy or uncomfortable, return to normal breathing.
• Respect anyone who prefers to skip the sound and just exhale slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do it seated in a chair; if the arms can't lift, skip covering the ears.
• Hearing impairment: focus on the vibration in the chest and face with one hand resting there.
• Shyness about the sound: start with a silent exhale and add the hum when ready.

Learning goals

• Practice a breathing technique with an extended exhale.
• Use sound vibration as a focus point.
• Learn the origin of a traditional relaxation technique.

Equipment for a class of 25

• yoga mats: 25

Teacher tip

Expect giggles the first time; roll with it and restart the round. The softer the hum, the more calming the effect.

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