Take A Deep Breath, Release The Rest

The ebb and flow of breathing is what keeps us alive.

It is when we add a touch of mindfulness that those 4-5 simple breaths can change our mood completely. The best part about it is that we do it effortlessly everyday. We are constantly on go mode, whether you are working a full-time job, running your own business or in school full-time. It may seem impossible sometimes to find a window of time where you can settle your thoughts and be in the moment completely.

Breathing exercises, meditation or yoga are the best ways to slow down time and focus on mindful breathing and balance within the body. It can reduce stress and anxiety, give you an energy boost and improve your focus. Personally, I have been meditating on and off for 4 years and it has helped my anxiety and stress almost become non-existent. The goal is to not completely ignore all the thoughts you have in your mind, it is to place them back where they belong.

For example, if you were cleaning your room, envision putting your clothes away, throwing out garbage and making your bed. Keep what is yours and throw out what does not serve you. Now that I have you starting to think about something other than your to-do list let's get started. For those that are new to breathing exercises and meditation, here are 3 simple and easy breathing exercises you can do anywhere.

Remember to relax your shoulders, and release your jaw and the space in between your eyebrows. 

Diaphragm Breathing

1. Sit or lie down comfortably.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
3. Breathe in slowly through your nose, making sure your belly is rising while your chest stays still.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your belly muscles.

4-7-8 Breathing

1. Sit comfortably and exhale completely through your mouth.
2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
4. Exhale completely through your mouth to a count of eight.

Alternate nostril breathing

1. Sit comfortably and place your left hand on your left knee.
2. Bring your right hand to your face and use your thumb to close your right nostril.
3. Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
4. Close your left nostril with your fingers and release your thumb from your right nostril.
5. Exhale deeply through your right nostril.
6. Inhale deeply through your right nostril.
7. Close your right nostril with your thumb and release your fingers from your left nostril.
8. Exhale deeply through your left nostril.