Breathing ... it's something that can be both passive and active, and can impact your quality of life if it is impaired. It can be a completely autonomic (passive), happening without any conscious effort on you part. Did you know that breathing can be dramatically impacted by emotions, stress and anxiety. Conscious breathing directs your awareness to the qualities of your breath, is it shallow and fast or deep and slow, and can allow your body to shift away from a sympathetic nervous system response (fight or flight) and back to a more restful and restorative pathway. Find the breathing exercise that resonates most with you, one you find simple to practice and use as a tool to combat stress and anxiety on the fly. The exercises below are all ones that I have been taught over the years, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
When beginning to incorporate conscious breathing, I suggest you make time every day to practice ... you cannot learn when you are stressed, your heart is racing, your chest is tight and you feel like you can't take a deep breath. By incorporating regular conscious breathing, your brain and body will already be prepared for when you need it in crisis ... and hopefully regular breathing practice will actually mitigate a crisis before it fully arises.
When beginning to incorporate conscious breathing, I suggest you make time every day to practice ... you cannot learn when you are stressed, your heart is racing, your chest is tight and you feel like you can't take a deep breath. By incorporating regular conscious breathing, your brain and body will already be prepared for when you need it in crisis ... and hopefully regular breathing practice will actually mitigate a crisis before it fully arises.
Moon breath stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. This is why it is so nourishing and calming. It is helpful before bed if you have trouble with sleep, if you need to physically cool your body, calm your mind, or when dealing with anxious feelings or stress. Try to keep your inhale and exhale equal.
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Sun breath gives energy, courage, and warmth just like the sun. It stimulates you sympathetic nervous system, encouraging energetic movement. This is a wonderful exercise to start your day, or for when you are feeling tired or depressed. Try to keep your inhale and exhale equal.
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This is a very calming breathing exercise. Try to make your exhale double the length of your inhale (ex. inhale 3 - exhale 6).
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Deep breathing can help to calm your nervous system by focusing on slow deep breaths.
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This is a great breathing exercise to help calm stress and anxiety. If you are unable to hold each part to a count of 4 start with a lower count and as your breath calms increase your count.
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Snake breath is wonderful for removing excitement or hyper energy and anger, making it great for kids who are bouncing off the walls or when your are fuming.
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