Take a moment. Just pause. Stop doing anything and take a deep breath in. Hold it for 5 seconds and then release slowly. Again practice this pattern a few more times.
Did you feel a change in your emotional or mental state as you take these breaths of peace? Do you feel your shoulders relaxed and your mind calmed from all the chatters? If your answer is “yes”, then this blog is for you.
One of the most important aspects without which our survival will be impossible is: “Breath.”
Our lives begin with our first breath (inhalation) and end with our last breath (exhalation).
Breathing, the beginning, and end of life is the ultimate ongoing process that is often ignored until we can’t. Imagine, if, without any effort, breathing plays the most crucial role, the role of keeping us alive; what can we achieve if we learn to optimize and utilize this life force to its fullest?
Let me give you the answer: it can do wonders.
Breathwork is the conscious rhythmic breathing practice that allows us to achieve this wonder. Breathwork helps bring conscious awareness through the process of breathing. Often, it’s been said, “to live our life to the fullest, we must breathe to the fullest” because our breath is our instinctual life force; how we breathe influences how we live.
Our breath is a potent and informative tool. The minor change in the pattern of breathing
itself holds a lot of information about our physical, mental, and emotional state. On the one hand, our breathing can signify what’s happening within us. On the other hand, stimulating control over the pattern of breathing can significantly influence our internal state. This practice helps improve one’s respiratory functions, strengthen the immune system, regulate blood pressures, and improve sleep quality. It also energizes the nervous system and rejuvenates the brain cells which contributes significantly to improve focus, willpower, self-esteem and decision making. It also helps in reducing mental stress and facilitating mental wellbeing.
Do you still have an excuse? You might say how to practice it. Here are a few easy breathwork techniques that you can include in your everyday routine:
Deep Abdominal Breathing: The long, deep breath starts by filling the body with air like a balloon – from the belly expanding to the chest, rising for a full breath in. As the breath is released while exhaling, the chest falls, ribs pull in, and the navel pulls in. By engaging the abdomen, you experience the total capacity of breath and stimulate the Vagus nerve, sending a message to the entire body/mind to relax.
4-7-8 Breath: This breathing practice uses the technique of holding the breath to “press pause” on the busy mind. The sequence is: inhale four counts, hold seven counts, exhale eight counts. The prolonged exhale encourages the nervous system/whole body to let go of stress and emerge feeling renewed.
Alternate Nostril Breathing: To start, place the right thumb pad gently onto the right nostril (just enough pressure to block the air). Inhale in this position, through the left nostril. Then, hold your breath as you switch, placing the right index finger on the left nostril. Once in place, exhale through the right nostril. Inhale here, and then continue switching nostrils before exhaling. This has a balancing effect on the body/mind.
So now that you are aware of these different techniques, are you ready to try them?
But remember, CONSISTENCY is the key.
Inhale peace and release all that doesn’t feel good for your soul to carry.
I hope you found this article insightful and that it inspired you to live a healthier lifestyle. Stay tuned for more posts on wellbeing.
