Call on the Power of Your Breath

Your breath is an amazingly powerful tool. Too often, we tend to be shallow breathers which deprives the body and brain of oxygen. During times of high stress, shallow breathing is even more common, and we may also find ourselves unconsciously holding our breath from time to time. Shallow breathing and holding your breath can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety, so be sure to check in with your body frequently to see if you are doing either of those things. Constantly being in a “fight or flight” state is not a good thing.

Deep breathing is the fastest and easiest form of meditation. It is also the simplest way to help calm the body.

Allow yourself to be still. Take a nice, slow, DEEP breath in through the nose (all the way in until you feel like you can’t possibly take in any more), pause, then blow it ALL the way out through your mouth. Keep blowing it out until you feel like you have no air left in you.

You can also try being audible when you breath out (like a forced sigh), which can help speed up your relaxation. Take and release 3 deep breaths like this and see how much better you feel! Be sure to repeat as often as necessary throughout your day.