When things get stressful, or when we just need to take a moment to bring ourselves back to the present, the best thing we can do is to just breathe.
Sounds simple, right?
There are so many different ways to focus on your breathing as a way to calm your mind and calm your body.
Here are a few of our favorites. Try them out and let us know which one you liked the best!
Riding the Waves
- Begin by lying down on your back. Allow your head to be propped up enough so you can see your belly. Find something to place on your belly - maybe your hands, a pillow, a book, or a favorite stuffed animal.
- Focus on your breath, bringing it into your belly, and just notice as your bellow slowly moves up and down, watching the object you chose as if it were gently bobbing on the waves of the ocean.
- When your mind wanders off, which it inevitably will, just bring it back to your belly, and focus your eyes on whatever is riding the gentle waves of your breath.
- Listen to the sounds of your breath... feel it all together... and just breathe like this for a few minutes until your breath has slowed down.
Lazy 8 Breathing
4-7-8 Breathing
- Breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds.
- Exhale forcefully through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a “whoosh” sound, for 8 seconds.
Star Breathing
The specific way that you practice your deep breathing does not matter. All that matters is that you take a few moments each day to just breathe.
Sincerely,
Ms. Galluzzo
