Inhale… Exhale… Repeat – Smile!
The benefits of doing some simple breathing exercises has immense benefits to our overall health! It can inspire creativity, increase mental clarity and help calm anxiety and stress to name a few. Our breath is connected to our wellness – a few calming minutes while waiting in line at the grocery store or stopped in traffic has potential to be a game changer! Some of my faves are explained below…
*NOTE: When doing any breathing techniques please be mindful of how you are feeling. If you feel any discomfort, dizziness or lightheadedness – STOP – stay seated and breath regularly. Trying anything new needs to be approached delicately, with awareness. You know yourself best. Find what works for YOU, listen to your body's signals and consult a doctor if necessary.
*SLOW, DEEP BELLY BREATHES: With the exhale lasting longer than the inhale, breathe in through the nose, filling your belly and chest… then out through the mouth, releasing the breath from your chest and belly, relaxing into it and letting go. Repeat two to four more times.
*BOX BREATHING: Exhale your breathe. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, filling belly and chest, for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale slowly through the mouth and relax, for a count of (you guessed it!) four. Repeat three times for a total of four rounds.
*4-7-8 BREATHING: Release all air through your mouth. With a closed mouth inhale through your nose for a count of four. Hold the breath for a count of seven. Release the air through your mouth, tongue behind teeth for a count of eight. Repeat two to three more times MAX. As a beginner take this one slow! (You may be able to work your way up to more repetitions gradually over time, no more than eight total!)
⚡️FUN FACT⚡️ – Deep belly breathing, AKA Diaphragmatic Breathing, stimulates the Vagus Nerve. The Vagus Nerve regulates organ function and the "Rest and Digest/Fight or Flight” systems. (HELLO! – It is the literal Gut/Brain connection!)
Eyes open or closed, find and practice your favorite technique and notice the benefits! And of course, reach out with any questions or concerns and let me know how it goes!
