You don’t have to fall into the stress trap of life. Instead, let your breath be your magic wand, helping you relax your mind and body. Yoga is like a friendly reminder to your body and mind about that natural state they crave: relaxation.
The Magic of Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is like a hug for your nervous system—it’s calming and energizing at the same time. The energy you get from a few minutes of mindful breathing isn’t jittery or hyper; it’s that serene, steady energy we all need. Slow, steady, and quiet breaths send a gentle message to your nervous system: Be calm.
While entire books have been written about yoga breathing, here’s a delightful 5-minute Breath Break for you. (Give the instructions a few reads before you try the practice.)
- Find Your Throne: Sit with your spine as straight as possible. Use a chair if needed, but resist the urge to slump. Keep your feet flat on the floor with your knees directly above the center of your feet. If your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor, use a book or cushion. Place your hands on the tops of your legs.
- Close Your Eyes: Gently close your eyes and let them rest peacefully behind your lids.
- Mind Your Ribs: Think about your ribs at the front, back, and sides of your body. Remember, your lungs are nestled behind those ribs.
- Feel the Flow: Notice your lungs filling up and your ribs expanding out and up. Then, feel your lungs emptying and your ribs coming back down and in. No need to push the breath—just let it flow naturally.
- Start Small: For your first few attempts, try this for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually increase to 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside time at least once a day for this practice. Once you realize how wonderful it makes you feel, you’ll find yourself wanting to do it more often.
Just as one stressful situation can spill into your next challenge, spending a few relaxing minutes each day can gradually bring a sense of calm into all areas of your life.
