Stop thinking. Stop talking. Stop worrying…..start consciously breathing, and then see how fast your life
changes. Our breath is the single most accessible and powerful source for stress and anxiety reduction, yet is
so often gets ignored. Breath (prana) is our link between the body and mind. Through simple breathing
techniques we can develop a relationship and find balance between these two systems facilitating health and
well-being
- Box Breathing
- Close your eyes and picture a square box in front of you, focus on the 4 sides of the box.
Inhale to the count of 4 while you trace one side of the box, hold for a count of 4 while you trace the next
side. Exhale to the count of 4 while you trace the third side. Hold for a count of 4 while you trace the final
side. Repeat as needed. This is a very grounding, anxiety reducing way to breathe, shutting down the
surges of cortisol and adrenaline.
- Circle (Wave) Breath
- Breathe in deeply, filling your lungs and as you reach the very tippy top of your
breath, begin to exhale slowly. Once you have reached the very bottom of your breath, begin to inhale
slowly. Connecting the inhale and the exhale so there is no pause, no break in the cycle or breath. This is
an extremely relaxing and calming way to breathe. Sending you into a zone of ahhhhh.
- Elevator Breath
- Place your hands on your belly and breathe into your belly to the count of 3, pause.
Holding that breath there, now breathe into your chest to the count of 3, pause. Holding your breath there,
then breathe into your throat to the count of 3, pause. Exhale in the reversed direction yet in the same
manner. Starting at your throat and working down into your belly. This is a very centering breath.
- Ujjayi Breath
- Take a deep inhale through your nose. Create a slight restriction at the back of your throat
as if you were intentionally fogging up a bathroom mirror. Exhale through your mouth as you hold that
restriction. This breath work will make noise. This is a very focused and energizing breath.
Your breath is always there for you, night and day. It is free and accessible. It is more powerful than you may
think when it comes to reducing stress, worry, anxiety and discomfort.