BREATHING EXERCISE

 
 

BREATH

Have you been sick lately - had a cold, covid, the flu?

Or could you benefit from an exercise to help with stress? It might just be the time to…

Take. A. Breath.

Deep, slow breathing can help to settle the nervous system which is great for illness, anxiety and coping through everyday stress.

Heres some tips how:

  • find a quiet relaxed environment, try to give yourself space for 5-20 minutes

  • place one hand on your chest, the other on your abdomen

  • just sit here initially, and feel underneath your hands, what is moving?

  • allow your belly to relax, without forcing it inward by squeezing or clenching your muscles

  • breathe in slowly through your nose. The air should move into your nose and downward so that you feel your stomach rise (gently push) against your hand

  • exhale slowly through your nose or slightly pursed lips. Take note of the hand on your chest, which should remain relatively still.

  • try to breathe out for longer eg 4 seconds in, 6 seconds out

Start with a few rounds, then progress to 5-10 minutes. Ahhh, feels good doesn't it?!

Elizabeth Dwyer