It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life in our fast-paced world. We often rush from one task to the next, barely giving ourselves time to breathe. But in the middle of all the chaos, there is a simple tool that can help us a lot: taking a deep breath. Taking a moment to stop and breathe deeply can make all the difference, giving us a moment of calm and clarity in the middle of life’s storms.
Breathing is a natural and uncontrollable action, but it can be turned into a powerful way to deal with stress and anxiety. When we take a deep breath on purpose, we turn on our body’s ability to calm down. This turns on the parasympathetic nervous system, which makes you feel calmer and lessens the stress-related “fight or flight” response.
So how can we use our breath to make ourselves healthier?
Mindful Breathing: Practice mindful breathing every day for a few minutes. Find somewhere quiet to sit down and close your eyes. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and feel your lungs fill up. Let out your breath slowly and completely to let go of any tension. Focus only on your breath and let go of any other thoughts that come to mind. As you breathe in and out, pay attention to how your body feels and what it does. This easy thing to do can help you clear your mind and feel calm.
Breathe Through Challenges: Life can throw us challenges we did not see coming, which can make us feel stressed out and anxious. Remember to take a deep breath before you do anything. Whether it is a tough conversation, a tight deadline, or a setback in your own life, pausing to take a deep breath can help you think clearly and control your emotions. It helps us stay calmer and more in control when dealing with problems.
Connect with the Present: Our minds often wander between regrets about the past and worries about the future. The breath brings the mind back to the present. When you feel overwhelmed by thoughts about the past or the future, bring your attention back to your breath. Feel the air going into your lungs and how it feels to leave your body. By bringing your attention to the here and now through your breath, you can learn to appreciate the moment more.
Breathe in Nature: If you can, do your breathing exercises outside. Nature has a unique way of making us feel calm and rooted. Find a quiet spot in a park or by a body of water and observe the sights, sounds, and smells around you as you breathe. Let the beauty of nature add to the calming effects of your breath, giving you a restful break from the stresses of daily life.
