Breath is life. And today’s focus will be all about BREATHING.
It is a loving gift to yourself to be able to take a few moments just to recognize your own breathing patterns and use your breath to create greater health and overall well-being.
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. Those things that happen when you are stressed, such as increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, all decrease as you breathe deeply to relax. The way you breathe affects your whole body. Breathing exercises are a good way to relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress. (1)
Find a quiet place. Granted, with your schedule that may be alone time in the car, or even the bathroom. But you’re worth finding and going to that quiet space.
Once you have found your “breathing room”, sit down on a comfy chair or even the floor. Place one hand gently over your belly, and take a long, quiet breath in through your nostrils, allowing your belly to extend fully. It’s helpful if you count to five as you do so.
Hold that breath in your lungs for five more seconds, allowing the air to swirl around within the full capacity of the lungs.
Finally, once again to the count of five, release the air through your lips (as if you were blowing out a candle) slowly. You may even wish to whisper the word “release” as you expel the air from your lungs fully. Repeat this 5 second in/5 second hold/5 second out set three more times, slowly and peacefully, unrushed. As you do so, be very aware of how the air feels being drawn up into your nostrils, inflating your lungs, then coming out through your lips.
Now, notice how you are feeling, both in body and mind. You may want to repeat this belly breathing methods several times a day or week. It’s completely up to you. Remember also to be thankful and grateful for the ability to have a body that allows you to breath effortlessly.
Blessings,
Linda
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