We all breathe without thinking about it… although you’re now thinking about it aren’t you… and that’s because I’ve just made you think about breathing techniques and how you’re breathing has been pulled into your conscious mind.
It’s this process of consciously breathing that you can take advantage of
Conscious breathing can help you in situations that you find stressful, anxiety inducing or overwhelming. Or you can simply use breathing to have a nicer day.
By consciously controlling your breathing you can take control and change the way that your body responds when you get anxious or stressed.
Here are a couple of breathing techniques for you to try.
Box Breathing
Why and when – This is a technique that can help to bring your back to the present. Try using this when you are feeling overwhelmed or like things are starting to get on top of you.
How – Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, breath out for a count of 4 and hold for a count of 4. Repeat this for as many times as you need in order for your feelings to reduce
Long Out breath
Why and when – This technique is fantastic to calm your body and your mind. If you feel stressed or anxious, give this a go. It works by changing your blood gasses and telling your vagal nerve that you are in a safe state. Your body then tells your brain that it is safe and resting and your brain stops sending the signals to release stress hormones into your body.
How – All you need to do for this technique is to take a shorter in breath than your out breath. Breathe in for the count of 5 and then breathe out for the count of 9. Repeat this slower out breath for 2 minutes and your body will tell your mind that it is safe and you can move into a rest and digest state.
These breathing techniques seem so simple that you may not believe that they can have any effect. Give them a go and you will begin to understand the power that conscious breathing can have.
Let me know how you get on with these breathing techniques in the comments below.