09/10/2024
Local friends, family and loved ones,
With challenging times on the horizon, you’re likely feeling all kinds of emotions. This is your reminder that now more than ever before, we need to be able to move and act from a state of balance and clear-mindedness.
How you breathe has a MAJOR impact on how you both feel and respond. Our breathing pattern has the ability to send us into panic, or to relax the nervous system and help move us into a state of clarity.
Throughout the day, notice your breathing. Make sure you’re breathing through your NOSE - I can’t stress this enough!! Continuous mouth-breathing sends us into fight or flight! Nasal breathing activates the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system- responsible for rest, regulation of heart-rate, digestion. Breathe down into your belly, your diaphragm, versus shallow in your chest.
There are many different breathing exercises that will help you relax quickly. Here are 2 of my favorites:
4-7-8 Breath
Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale through your mouth for a count of eight. Just a few minutes of this will help induce nervous system regulation.
Box Breathing
Breathe in the shape of a square …
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Repeat several times.
Alternatively, just breathe through your nose and make your exhale longer than your inhale. This is scientifically proven to help you relax!!
I’m writing this for you as much as I am for myself. Remember, your breath is your best friend in times like this!!
Stay safe. We will get through this. Holding the highest outcome for all. 🙏🩷
When life is moving a little too quickly, breathing techniques can help melt stress away. Here’s how it activates your body’s parasympathetic nervous system and moves you out of fight-or-flight mode so you can de-escalate and destress.