24/04/2020
With the recent major interruption in normal work and home life, I have noticed a marked increase in my headache and dizzy clients who recognise that anxiety is a major contributing factor to their symptoms.
Now, I am not a psychologist and certainly encourage people who are aware of anxiety, change in sleep patterns, sensation of being overwhelmed or hopelessness to talk with their GP/psychologist etc.
From a neurological point of view there are some techniques we can use to decrease our bodies stress response and I use these a lot with many of my clients (and myself).
BREATHE! It sounds obvious and meditation, yoga, psychology professionals use relaxed breathing techniques a lot, but they can now measure how it works. And many of us breathe poorly, even when relaxed.
My preferred pattern is as follows:
• Breathe in through nose slowly over a count of 5-6
• Hold at top of breath for count of 3-4
• Very Slowly let air escape through mouth between pursed lips (like a silent whistle) don’t blow air out, let it fall out. Aim for 10 + seconds
Don’t get too focussed on the numbers. The more stressed you are, the shorter your breaths will be. That’s OK, just try to make each subsequent breath slightly longer.
DO THIS A LOT. 8 BREATHS EVERY HOUR.
If you find it useful, please share.
Any questions, just message
Stay safe
