When was the last time you stopped what you were doing and reconnected with your body?

Deep Breathing Exercises Can Help to Promote Relaxation

Deep breathing is a viable component for optimal health. Every cell in our body depends on oxygen in order to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, we can become so caught up with our daily busy lives that we often neglect our breath. When we breathe shallow we hinder our ability to achieve optimal energy and healing.

There is an old proverb that states, “Life is in the breath. He who half breathes half lives.”

Creating an awareness of your mind-breath connection through deep breathing exercises is extremely beneficial. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, improve heart rate variability, and even help to lose weight. 

Take a moment and check in with yourself.

Acknowledge everything from how you are sitting, feeling, acting, and thinking. Take note if you thirsty, hungry, achey, tired, sad, bored, or slumped over.

In this fast paced World we neglect our bodies and just to go through the motions. This in turn promotes unhealthy habits, and a lack of mindfulness to the present moment.

The solution may be to:

• Take a quick break (even 5-minutes works wonders)
• Unplug from all of your technology, close down all your screens, and silence your phone
• Practice mindful deep breathing exercises
• Sit up tall, relax your shoulders, and simply connect with your breath. 

The connection to your mind and body is a beautiful reset. During this deeper connection to self you’ll create new space for healing and clarity.

3 Favorite Deep Breathing Exercises For Relaxation

These deep breathing techniques will vitalize your body and relax your mind.

Listen to your body. You are your own teacher in this process. Honor yourself and enjoy Mindful Breathing.

1. Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing”
   Seal your lips and through your nose inhale through for a count of four, then exhale through your nose for a count of four. Tried four counts? How do you feel? You can try a six count per breathe in and out, and even build up to an eight count breathe if you desire.
2. Nadi Shodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”
   Hold your right thumb over your right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. At the top of the inhalation, close off the left nostril with the ring finger, then exhale through the right nostril. Continue this pattern of inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb, and exhaling through the left nostril.
3. Abdominal Breathing Technique
   Place one hand on the chest and the other on the belly, take a deep breath in through the nose, ensure the diaphragm (not the chest) inflates with enough air to create a stretch in the lungs. The goal is six to ten deep, slow breaths per minute for ten minutes each day.

Tips To Create A Deep Breathing Routine

Loa Tzu stated, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, and it is safe to say that we are taking baby steps. Slow down, trust the process, and allow yourself to fully accept and honor everything the Universe presents you with.

Begin your practice of deep breathing exercises daily for at least five minutes daily.

I encourage you to craft it into your schedule like it is a priority. After all – health is the greatest wealth.

 If you would like to start or revitalize your meditation practice I highly recommend that you read the “Meditation For Vitality” blog post. Enjoy your newfound bliss!