I’m sure you’ve heard it by now — that viral mash-up of “What’s Up” and “Beez in the Trap.” It’s catchy, chaotic, and honestly… kind of genius. I’ll be honest, it’s been stuck in my head for days (my husband would argue weeks). Every so often I catch myself humming it, dancing to it, or trying to decide which “side” I’m on.

But as I’ve found myself fixated on this musical combo, my mind… as it tends to… wandered somewhere deeper.

When I “wake up in the morning,” it’s usually a slow start. Especially now, with the colder temps and darker mornings. But if I take a deep breath, stretch, maybe read or take a warm bath… eventually something clicks. Suddenly, I’m “beez in the trap,” full of energy, ideas, movement and momentum.

Here’s the problem… If I don’t have some sort of plan or routine, that energy scatters fast. I start a dozen things, finish none, and before long I’m feeling scattered, cranky, and totally unproductive. My emotions start doing their own mash-up and trust me it’s not nearly as fun.

But when I start my morning intentionally it’s a totally different story. When I can channel that energy;  a walk, a stretch, a quick yoga flow, even an ice bath.. the day just hits differently. That channel gives my body and mind an outlet, setting me up to handle the rest of the day with balance and focus.

And this made me think… isn’t it the same for children?

When we give kids the chance to move, to choose, to play, especially first thing in the day, we’re helping them regulate that same kind of internal energy. Through gross motor play and sensory experiences, they find their rhythm. Their bodies lead their minds into readiness. They’re doing their own kind of emotional regulation.  Without that outlet, their emotions and impulses can easily take over; just like mine do when I skip my morning routine.

So maybe this mash-up is the perfect reminder:

Before we can “beez in the trap,” we need to “take a deep breath.”

We all; adults and children alike, need space to let it all out so we can move through the day feeling grounded and prepared not tangled in the noise.