Have you ever felt that Stress controls your day? Do thoughts overwhelm you when all you need is serenity? You're not alone. Life's chaos can feel overwhelming, but here's a secret: calm is just a breath away. Yes, Breathing techniques can be your secret weapon for fighting Stress, improving focus, and finding peace instantly.
Let’s get into the details of 10 practical, easy-to-follow Breathing Exercises for Calm that will transform your day.
Box Breathing is among the most straightforward yet powerful techniques for helping you relax immediately. It is done to the count of four: allowing the Breath in and holding the Breath, followed by blowing out of the same Breath to the count of four, then holding the Breath again to the count of four. By performing this cycle four to six times, you can lower your heart rate and put yourself in the present moment.
This technique is known and practised by celebrities like Dr Andrew Weil, and it is an absolute powerhouse in terms of immediately lowering Stress levels. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your Breath for 7 seconds, and exhale by your mouth for 8 seconds.
Indian Kriy (an advanced Raja Yoga technique) is one of the best methods for balancing energy and regaining concentration. To practice, hold your right nostril with your thumb while pressing it and breathe in through the left nostril.
Then, you must close your left nostril using your ring finger and breathe through the right nostril. After doing this for a few minutes, the nervous system is soothed, anxiety responds, and focus and concentration are achieved.
The Breathing rate to follow, which is common in many forms of stress-relieving practice, is two to one. In this practice, you take two breaths and exhale four times longer. Breathe in for the count of 2 and then exhale for the count of 4. Once comfortable, the ratios can be changed, and the exhale can be prolonged while the inhale is shortened.
Chest or abdominal Breathing requires a diaphragm to achieve proper aeration. Try putting one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest, Breathing through your nose and maintaining your posture.
Slowly blow out the air from your mouth and become conscious of your expanding and contracting stomach muscles. This original activity helps reduce cortisol and enhance general relaxation.
Resonant Breathing slows your Breathing to about 5-6 breaths per minute, a pace that is proven to enhance cardiovascular function and overall relaxation. Breathe in and out deeply and evenly, aiming for this slow, steady rhythm.
This method creates harmony between your body and mind, promoting inner peace and focus. It’s particularly effective during work breaks or study sessions when resetting and recharging.
Breath counting is an essential mindfulness intervention that requires people to count their breaths. Begin by counting each Breath: Breath in four and out eight, five and ten, six and twelve, seven and fourteen, and eight and sixteen, and then repeat the counting. This helps to keep your mind busy and active, which helps avoid the overly thinking state that results from the use of THC.
Lion's Breath is a joyful and dynamic pranayama exercise when one sticks out the tongue with a strong breath, expelling the air out of the mouth. This novelty provokes tension, raises and broadens blood vessels, and renews strength. It's ideal for ridding yourself of frustrations or even getting a boost after a long day of work.
Pursed lip Breathing is just a technique of taking a deep breath through the nose and Breathing slowly through the mouth as if blowing like a candle. It is helpful to slow down your breaths so that you do not pant and helps soothe the body. It is beneficial during such anxious events or when one needs to recover from a physically demanding activity.
The practice is called Humming Bee Breath, or Bhramari. You inhale through your nose and then exhale slowly while making a sound that empathizes with a bee. The vibrations developed through this process impact the mind to reduce Stress and relax the nervous system.
Life's demands won't vanish, but with these Breathing Techniques, you can tackle Stress head-on. They all provide some way to attain the end goal of achieving serenity – Breath, sound, or touch. It is your armour for maintaining strength and calm, so dedicate five minutes to practising these techniques.
Take a deep breath, relax, and take your space back.