B is for Breathing
Breathing may be something you feel comfortable doing. How could you be alive if you can’t breathe, right?
But are there better, healthier ways to breathe? Yes!
One mistake most people make is breathing from the mouth. There are better methods than this, particularly if you are feeling stressed. Our bodies use a sympathetic nervous system that automatically kicks into gear in reaction to a real or perceived threat. Once the threat is gone, your body calms down using the parasympathetic nervous system, which also plays a large part in regulating digestion and heart rate through the vagus nerve, which is so important that I will devote a blog just to understanding it.
Learning different breathing exercises can help your mind and body. I have used two distinct breathing techniques that you might want to try.
4-Count Breathing
Sit cross-legged on the floor or a chair with your feet on the ground. Remember that it’s best to connect to Mother Earth when trying to relax.
Take a few practice breathes, inhaling deeply. Now breathe in deeply, counting to 4.
Breathing to Quiet the Mind and Body
Sit cross-legged on the floor or sit in a chair with your feet on the floor. Make a half smile. Follow your breath. When your mind and body are quiet, continue to inhale and exhale lightly; be aware that “I am breathing in and making the breath and body light and peaceful. I am exhaling and making the breath and body light and peaceful.” Continue for three breaths, giving rise to the thought, “I am breathing in while my body and mind are at peace. I am breathing out while my body and mind are at peace.”