Our breath is one of the most powerful tools we have to help us calm down. The breath helps us pause and respond versus react to stressful, uncomfortable or difficult moments. We often use the “Belly Breath”. Here are the simple steps to help find your inner calm:
- While lying down or sitting comfortably, place your feet slightly apart. Place one hand on your abdomen near your navel.
- Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
- Concentrate on your breathing. Your hand should rise on each in-breath and fall with each out-breath.
- Gently exhale most of the air in your lungs.
- Inhale while slowly counting to 4. As you inhale slightly extend your abdomen, causing it to rise about 1 inch. Make sure you are not moving your chest or shoulders.
- Pause for 2 seconds then slowly exhale for a count of 4. As you exhale, your abdomen should flatten.
- Repeat as often as you like.
credit: Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
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