As you might have figured out when considering the themes of my previous posts, I like writing about wellness and what to do to get more of it for ourselves. There are so many easy ways to get a little bit more peace of mind, but, I would think, the easiest one of them is taking deep breaths actually. Something so simple, yet so important, that we take for granted… Of course, there are certain techniques to make it more efficient. That is what I would like to share with you this time.
Stress may be an unavoidable part of life, but the way you respond to it is totally in your control, and changing the way you breathe is the fastest way to change how you feel.
Regulating your breath will calm you down quickly. Breathing is the most powerful healing technology, and you can practice it anywhere.
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. who is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, comes up with three very effective breathing exercises on his website. I would highly suggest you take a look at them when you have a moment. From those three techniques, my favorite one is the 4-7-8 exercise. Which is inhaling quietly through your nose for a count of four, keeping your breath in for a count of seven, and then exhaling through your mouth slowly for a count of eight, while lying down on your back or sitting straight. Start with three to four cycles at the beginning, for a month or so, and then, go up to eight cycles, twice a day.
This technique not only helps with lowering stress, anxiety, and worry levels but also helps with panic attacks and social phobia. Before reacting to anything upsetting, please try this breathing exercise, and you will see that you are not as upset anymore and that you can react in a more rational way, rather than going with the heat of the moment.
I hope you benefit from it as much as I do. Enjoy!
Good afternoon Ipek,
Thank you for the wellness reminder. This is such an easy exercise to do anywhere, anytime. Both the actual breathing and the breath count calms us.
Yes, absolutely, Anne. thank you for your comment. I love promoting easy but positively effective anything in life, and this is one of those good tips.
Thank you for sharing this! I have been practicing 4-7-8 breathing since I first became a mom, almost six years ago. When I was in sleepless newborn mode, it helped regulate my emotions and sanity!
Thank you for sharing, Joanna. It is indeed a very effective and a very helpful practice.
I agree! We take it for granted and run run run. So I stopped, did the 4-7-8 and indeed it really feels lovely! Thank you for the reminder!
I am so happy to hear that you tried and felt better after practicing it, Eyra. I love your name by the way… Does it have a meaning or a background? I would love to know more about it.
Thanks Ipek! Breathing in patterns that calm your body open you to your capabilities in the moment.
Great way to prepare for action.
blessings,
Cynthia
Thank you very much for your kindness, Cynthia. I very much appreciate your feedback.
Absolutely, Simon… We breath 24/7 all our lives but most of us don’t know how to use it to make ourselves better. Sometimes the simplest things might be the best solutions to our problems, indeed. Thank you very much for your kind comment.
Hello Ipek,
The much used phrase, ‘take deep breaths’ is a good idea, but more detailed sophisticated approach takes it a step further. Calmness is the result. and calmness is often challenging to accomplish.
I shall certainly put in to practice this refreshing idea which is a reality. We may take such seemingly ‘simple’ solutions for granted, but sometimes the most simple solutions are the best.
Thank you, Ipek for publishing this revelation.
Simon