A Simple Breathing Technique
The Healing House’s co-founder Anita Riggs, recently named breathing as one of the things we can control during these trying times. Breath. Free and accessible anytime. It reminded me of a time I took a private breathing class at a yoga studio. My yoga instructor took each class to show me how to properly take a deep breath. Not just any breath, but a breath that my whole body absorbed and felt within its core. In this moment, I realized I had never been taught how something as simple as breathing could be used as a healing tool.
I often go back to the feeling of a true calming breath and trust that many people could benefit from just a moment of regrounding. I am sharing a simple breathing technique I was taught by a friend, along with the benefits.
Technique Steps:
Close your eyes (*If you’d like to visual something, select something in nature that makes you happy: i.e. sitting under a tree, looking out upon the ocean, etc…)
Breathe in through your nose for 2-3 counts
Hold for 2-3 counts
Release through your nose for 2-3 counts
Repeat 3 times
End with a simple breath in and smile
Open your eyes
Take in a few simple slow breaths and go back to your day a little calmer and happier.
Benefits from Livestrong:
Stress Reduction
Stress Management
Slower heartbeat
Reduced blood pressure
Promotes core muscle stability and helps you better tolerate intense exercise
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Additionally, deep breathing is particularly helpful for managing stress
“If your body tends to default to fight-or-flight mode, deep breathing can give you instant relief. By breathing deeply from your diaphragm, you ignite the body's parasympathetic nervous system. This system reverses the stress response by slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and calming the mind. With deep breaths, you can activate the body's relaxation response, a state of profound calm.”
-Karen Spaede