The act of using the breath as an object of concentration to help you focus to ease stress and anxiety is called mindfulness meditation. It is a practice that has been around for centuries, and it has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental and physical health.
When we are stressed or anxious, our breath often becomes shallow and rapid, which can further exacerbate our feelings of unease. By practicing breathwork, we can learn to slow down our breath and regulate it, which can have a profound effect on our overall sense of well-being.
Hear from Breathwork expert Aimee Hartley, founder of
The Breathing Room as she explains:
- How to connect your body
- Where to start with breathwork
- Is there a correct way to breathe
- The benefits of breathing well
Breathwork is a powerful technique that involves using the breath as an object of concentration to help you focus and ease stress and anxiety. By bringing awareness to the breath, you can cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and presence in the moment, allowing you to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters.
Free your mind from the small stuff. By breathing deeply and mindfully you can focus on the tasks that really matter and let your creativity flow.
Focusing completely on the ebb and flow of our breathing allows us to become more aware of our emotions and physical being, bringing clarity and control to daily tasks.
Studies show links between deep breathing and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing oxygenation of the body. This in turn decreases heart rate and blood pressure.
Stress challenges us everyday, and how we deal with it can make all the difference. Mindful control over breathing can alter your mental state, balancing your emotions and reducing an over-active and over-thinking brain.
Deep breathing exercises are an effective and proven method of reducing feelings of anxiety. Taking that moment to calm yourself can help you cope with problems playing on your mind.
A basic form of box breathing for the beginner to learn and move up a level.
Inhale for 4 counts then exhale for 4 counts. This cycle can be repeated for a few minutes until you feel calm.
The key to mastering this is to keep your breathe control at the front of your mind and relax your body before you start.
Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a type of deep breathing exercise that involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for four, exhaling for four, and holding the breath for four before beginning the cycle again.
This technique is used by athletes and US Navy Seals to deal with stressful situations and to keep them focused.
To practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique, close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for seven, and then exhale completely through your mouth for eight, making a whooshing sound again.
According to Dr. Weil, practicing this twice a day for six to eight weeks can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall feelings of well-being.
