Stressed? These Breathing Techniques Will Help You Calm Down
When we are experiencing so much stress, we often reach for the most unhealthy of things. A large amount of pasta or carbs or some decadent but sinful sweets. Sometimes we even dive into dangerous activities like binge-watching, over-drinking, or sleeping in. Our body reacts to stress in different ways.
To combat these unhealthy reactions to stress, we try different things. Some involve expensive salts and gadgets, some try types of physical activities that lessen stress. Depending on how you treat these things, they can immediately erase your anxiety, or they won't do anything at all.
One exercise that is most accessible to us, and is absolutely inexpensive is breathing! Yes, you read that right. The correct deep breathing techniques do wonders for those experiencing stressful situations.
Our breaths are powerful to ease stress and make us feel less anxious. Let's look into these simple breathing exercise and how we can incorporate this in the daily moments of our lives.
Before you get started, keep these tips in mind: Find a place you can safely do breathing exercises. If you find yourself calmed down in your bedroom, go stay on your bed. The living room floor or a comfortable chair is also a good place to start. Wear clothes that allow you to relax and breath more.
Don't fuss over it. Loosen up and don't force your relaxation. Most breathing exercises take only a few minutes. You can even start with one minute or two. Aim to do this once a day consistently.
Deep Breathing Exercises
It's not just about breathing, it's also about breathing well. Don't practice short and shallow breaths. This makes you even more anxious. With deep breathing, you'll learn to make bigger breaths, past your chest and into your belly.
To start, you can lie on your back in bed or on the floor. Breathe through the nose and bring air into your belly. Visually, your belly should be expanding. Breathe out through your nose.
Remember, as you breathe in, your belly should rise. In breathing out, your belly will lower, and your chest should move. Take three to five full and deep breaths.
Focused Breathing
When you've mastered the basics of deep breathing, you can move into a more relaxing practice. Try focusing on a pleasing image or phrase to help you relax even more. Close your eyes as you take deep breaths. Imagine the calming and peaceful air filling your lungs and giving life and oxygen all throughout your body. As you breathe out, picture all the negativity and toxic stress depart from your body.
Embrace relaxation and let go of stress. Practice deep breathing with these techniques.