“Conscious breathing is the fastest way to retrain our nervous system, it is the key to self-control and healing”
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Aligns Body & Brain in the present moment
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Builds Self-confidence
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Decreases pain and inflammation
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Balances Mood and Racing thoughts
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Creates Calm & Builds Resilience to Stress
- Builds CO2 and lactate tolerance enhancing athletic performance
‘Diane’s breathwork sessions have helped with my dysfunctional breathing pattern. My shallow breathing meant that I was not receiving the oxygen advantage of the deeper, slower, smoother pattern. I feel calmer and more energised through the day when I breathe like this’.
S. M, Beauty Therapist
Next time you feel the need for a calm, centering moment try this I feel it will help you step gracefully into the next moment.
Breathe.…..in through the nose and out through the nose….slow, smooth, quiet and regular. The breath is the bridge between the mind and body, knowing this helps us find our natural, calm centre, a safe happy place in amongst the busyness of life.
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Sit comfortably on a chair or floor, allow your head to float on your shoulders and your spine to be drawn upwards, gently draw your chin in so your neck rises straight up
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Lengthen your breath
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Place hands on your side ribs below armpits (where bra located for women)
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Inhaling through the nose fill your side ribs, expand your belly, all the way up to your collarbones
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Exhale slowly through the nose
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Inhale slowly for count of 4, can take your hands off your ribs or continue breathing with them there...feel your belly as a bellows expanding and contracting...sit tall, stay focussed…repeat for 4 cycles of long, slow, smooth breathing.
How do you feel?
Calmer, clearer… maybe slightly light-headed but peaceful most likely. These are all natural responses to consciously breathing and re-setting your nervous system. Always do breath-work sitting or lying down and come back to your normal, gentle breathing if you ever feel too uncomfortable. You will be playing with your comfort zone as breath-work is a powerful and effective way to change your physiology. Take responsibility for your own wellbeing and slow down or stop, send me a message if you have any concerns. Just know that this is a tool you can use in an instant or any circumstance when you feel anxious, overwhelmed or need more energy.
If you wish to take it further…
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Inhale through nose for 4 counts (or whatever rate feels comfortable for you)
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Hold/Pause for 2 counts
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Exhale for 4 counts then hold/pause 2 counts
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As you breathe in silently say the word CALM as you breathe out silently say the word RELAX… repeat up to 10 cycles.
Sightly longer exhales (then a pause for few secs) is great for slowing down and preparing for sleep or counting longer on the inhale (then a pause) is energising, great for mornings!