The benefits of each of the of the seven steps to relaxation...

Move
Dance and warm-up exercises release adrenaline into the blood stream which increases heart rate, body temperature and blood flow to the muscles. These physiological responses feedback to the brain to prepare the body for more exertion to follow.
Play
Fun and relaxation games increase production of ‘'feel good’ brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. These chemicals promote well-being and contentment as well as control sleep, attention, learning and emotions. Games also stimulate neurogenesis – the creation of new neurons in many areas of the brain, including the hippocampus, important in learning and memory and also involved in emotions. Imaginative play is also known to be a vital tool for optimum brain development for learning social and self regulation skills and cognitive flexibility (creativity).
Stretch

Stretching allows cortisol levels to decrease so inducing the relaxation response in the brain while reducing the stress response.

Stretching decreases:
• heart rate
• breathing rate
• muscle tension 
Stretching increases:
• energy for cells
• immunity
• concentration - by focusing the mind on the body.
​• Release of the ‘feel good’ hormones. With practise stretching creates and strengthens the pathways in the brain required for concentration and focus. 

Feel
Peer /Self massage enhances the effects from stretching and helps relax muscle tension. Massage also: • decreases chemicals in stress response • triggers the relaxation response • increases delta waves in brain as seen during deep sleep • releases oxytocin the 'love hormone' as a result of gentle touch.
​This is essential for optimum brain development. 
Breathe
Diaphragmatic breathing is taught which: • increases oxygen uptake • slows the breath rate
​• Stimulates the relaxation response and suppresses the stress response
New studies show that by focusing on the breath regularly can: • strengthen brain connections between ‘'thoughtful’ prefrontal lobes to the ‘'fear and anxiety-generating’ amygdala. • shift brain activity in this area from the discontented right side to the left side responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness
Believe

Scientific studies show that affirmations practised regularly can: • lead to a surge of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can increases motivation, commitment and attention • strengthen the immune system through release of DHEA hormone and proteins • increase brain connection's ‘neuroplasticity. Children can literally rewire their brains to think more positively by focusing on positive thoughts • combat the effect of negative emotions which we are believed to respond more strongly to
Therefore it is important we train the brain to think more positively thoughts in order to compensate for and enable us to cope with negative thoughts, without denying them.
Relax

.Scientific studies have shown that visualisation forms complex brain connections as many different areas of the brain are activated, affecting 'neuroplasticity' whereby the brain is shaped through regular practise. 
Visualisation enhances children’s performance in: • relaxing their own body and minds • managing emotions • the realisation of creative ideas and physical performance as the brain prepares itself and the body to respond as if it were really experiencing. • Increases endorphin levels to create a ‘'feel good’ feeling • reduces cortisol levels, so reducing the stress response • increases relaxation response • helps children feel revived and energised afterwards