Remember to Breathe…

I am the breather of heavy sighs.  I admit it.  I don’t mean anything by it, but my husband often picks up on it…

Hubby: “What’s wrong?”  

Me: “Nothing, why?”

Hubby: “You sound mad.”

Me:  “I’m not mad.”

Hubby:  “Well you sighed loudly.”

Me:  “I can’t sigh without being accused of being mad?  NOW I’m getting mad.”

My body is most likely involuntarily releasing stress.  But what if I could learn to harness that tool for the good, and not just give a warning shot to those around me?  That is exactly what I learned to do many years ago, and I can honestly say, it’s been a game changer.

In our fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many of us. While stress is a natural response to certain situations, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental well-being. However, there is a simple yet powerful tool that lies within us, waiting to be harnessed: our breath. In this blog, we will explore the incredible benefits of conscious breathing and provide you with effective techniques for reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

The Science behind Breathing and Stress:

Breathing is an involuntary action that sustains our life. However, when we consciously engage with our breath, it becomes a powerful tool to regulate our body and mind. When we are stressed, our sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, leading to increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and heightened anxiety. By consciously slowing down and deepening our breath, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which induces relaxation and counteracts the effects of stress.

Benefits of Conscious Breathing:

1. Stress Reduction: One of the primary benefits of conscious breathing is stress reduction. By engaging in deep, slow breaths, we activate the relaxation response, calming our mind and body. It helps lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and promotes a sense of tranquility.
2. Improved Mental Clarity: Deep breathing enhances the flow of oxygen to our brain, improving cognitive function and mental clarity. It helps us think more clearly, make better decisions, and enhances focus and productivity.
3. Emotional Regulation: Our breath is intricately linked to our emotions. By practicing conscious breathing, we can gain greater control over our emotional state. Slow, deep breaths help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of emotional balance.
4. Physical Benefits: Conscious breathing offers numerous physical benefits. It improves lung capacity, strengthens the respiratory system, and enhances overall cardiovascular health. Deep breaths increase oxygen intake and remove toxins from our body, aiding in detoxification.

The techniques below for reducing stress need to be PRACTICED.  Our natural tendency being in a physical body is to resist anything that appears to limit our breathing.  For instance, if I tell you right this minute to pay attention to your breath, you may feel ill at ease, you may want to breathe faster or take a really deep breath.  You may feel out of breath.  These are all normal reactions that go away fairly quickly for most people.  So as you try these techniques, keep that in mind.  It is all normal.  You are not going to hyperventilate and pass out.  You are not going to be asphyxiated.  Your breath WILL calm down…then the magic begins.

Techniques for Stress Reduction through Breathing:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: This technique involves deep breathing by engaging the diaphragm. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your abdomen rise as you fill your lungs with air. Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your abdomen to fall. Repeat for a few minutes.
2. Box Breathing: This technique focuses on creating a rhythmic pattern of breath. Visualize a box shape and inhale for a count of four, hold the breath for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold the breath again for four counts. Repeat this pattern several times, gradually increasing the count if comfortable.
3. 4-7-8 Breathing: This technique combines deep breathing with a specific counting pattern. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold the breath for a count of seven, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat the cycle for a few minutes, allowing your body to relax with each breath.

Conclusion:

Our breath is a remarkable tool that can transform our lives by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being. By incorporating conscious breathing techniques into our daily routine, we empower ourselves to navigate the challenges of life with greater ease and clarity. So, take a moment, inhale deeply, and let the power of your breath guide you towards a calmer, more peaceful existence.

And if you can’t get the hang of therapeutic breathing and still need some additional help, then Rx 4 Mental Health is here to help.  We offer the most affordable, accessible and confidential virtual mental health therapy in the country.  At just $39.95 per month, which includes your whole family 13+, your family members each have access to:

• 24 / 7 Acute help therapist
• 24 / 7 Doctor for medical needs
• On-Demand therapy with a Ph.D. Psychologist or Psychiatrist or Therapist

No contract and cancel anytime! 

www.Rx4MentalHealth.com

Always here for you!