Ask Ollie
Hot Cocoa Breathing
Here's one to try together!
Smell the cocoa, cool the cocoa, and feel your whole body go soft and cozy, just like Ollie after a chilly swim.
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- Hot cocoa can scald: cool it until the mug feels warm, not hot, before a child holds it
- Allergens: cocoa made with milk contains milk
What you need
- Mug, 1 per person
- Mug of cocoa, cooled to warm, 1 (optional)
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Pick a quiet spot and grab a mug for everyone. Real cocoa is a treat but totally optional; a pretend mug works just as well.
- Real cocoa? A grown-up heats it over low heat, then lets it cool. A grown-up does this
- Sit comfy and hold your mug with both hands. Ask: How does your body feel right now: wiggly, tired, buzzy or calm?
- Smell the cocoa: breathe in through your nose for four counts.
- Cool the cocoa: breathe out through your mouth for six counts.
- Smell and cool five times in a row.
- Breathe in and picture a fluffy marshmallow on top. Ask: What does your marshmallow look like? Is it big, tiny, pink or white?
- Breathe out slowly and watch your marshmallow float around.
- Notice how you feel now, then teach someone your cocoa breath! Ask: What feels different in your body now compared to before we started?
Play it again
- Topping tour: picture a new topping every round, like sprinkles, whipped cream or a candy cane.
- Mug swap: pretend it's soup, tea or warm apple juice and change what you smell.
- Bedtime cocoa: do three slow rounds in bed with the lights low before sleep.
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