3 breathing exercises to calm down and connect to yourself.
We all know it’s the best… BREATHING. We do it all day everyday, mostly without thinking about it. Breath happens to be one of the most regulating things you can do for yourself.
Before each session with a client, we take about 5 minutes to breathe. Why? Because when we take the time to slow down, we bring ourselves into the present and into our body — which allows us to enter powerfully and presently into transformational space.
Have you ever noticed what happens in your body when you just take time to breathe?
Breathing is an essential aspect of our physical and emotional well-being, and it is also a powerful embodiment practice. When we pay attention to our breath, we bring our awareness to the present moment and connect with our body. This connection helps us to release tension and stress, improve our overall physical and emotional state, and cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace.
Additionally, the act of breathing itself can have a profound impact on our emotional state. For example, slow and deep breathing has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety! By incorporating breathing into our daily practices, we can cultivate a stronger sense of self-awareness, embodied presence, and overall well-being.
Here are three of my favorite breathing practices to calm down and connect to yourself.
Box Breathing:
This exercise involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and holding the breath again for a count of four. This pattern is repeated several times and helps you focus on your breath, slow down your breathing, and calm down.
4-7-8 Breathing:
This exercise involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven, and exhaling for a count of eight. The slow and steady pace of this exercise helps to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
Alternate Nostril Breathing:
This exercise involves alternating the use of each nostril to breathe in and out. It is a simple but effective way to balance the nervous system and bring calm to the mind. You can start by closing one nostril and inhaling deeply through the other, then closing that nostril and exhaling through the other, and alternating between the two.
By taking a few moments to focus on your breath, these exercises can help you connect with yourself and experience greater peace and calm. They can also help you to let go of distractions, focus on the present moment, and tune into your own body and thoughts. Try incorporating these exercises into your daily routine to help you feel more relaxed and connected to yourself.
xx
kara
