Have you realized how often you restrict or shorten your breathing because you’re trying to focus, concentrate, or because you’re experiencing tension caused by something? I’m guilty y’all! Through intentional investigation, I’ve noticed I hold my breath over speed bumps, when I’m loading groceries from the cart to the trunk, when I’m in deep thought, and a bunch of other weird times. It’s because I’m lost in trying to simply get a job done in a hurry to get to the next task or I’m trying to brace myself for a jolting impact, but holding your breath is not the answer. It doesn’t help at all!
Let me let you in on a little secret.
Proper and controlled breathing sends a signal to your brain to calm down and relax which translates through to your body. Our bodies, unfortunately, experience more tension and stress than they do relaxation. Learning and practicing some of the most simple breathing techniques can be life-changing. It brings awareness and stillness to your entire being, allows air to flow more fully and freely through your lungs which calms stress, anxiety and lowers blood pressure.
A series of deep breathing will surely bring you to a centered focus and help you clear your mind, so you have the ability to make more logical decisions as opposed to emotional ones that you’ll regret later. Cause ain’t nobody got time for that! Breathing gives you time to rationalize, to think, to not respond in anger.
So, the next time you’re experiencing the frustrations of demanding work schedules, loud children, a plot twist in the day, spilled coffee, or anything that takes a second, do this:
- Sit still with relaxed shoulders, arms, and hands
- Plant your feet and sit straight up
- Close your eyes, take a deep breathe in through your nose, and exhale out of your mouth
- Count to ten on the inhale, then again on the exhale (Pursing your lips helps to control the exhale for best results)
Do this 2-3 times, and you are guaranteed to feel a difference throughout your body and even your atmosphere. One thing I’m big on is creating an intentionally powerful and peaceful dwelling. Women who do this are successful in real life, not just on social media.
Follow me on IG for more #PeacePractices. Remember to just breathe!